The Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs, Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association, and the Arkansas State Firefighters Association shall establish a board to set or establish eligibility and award amount requirements for funds received which are to be distributed in this Program. This board shall be named the “Arkansas Firefighter Cancer Relief Fund Board” (hereafter, the “Board.”). The Board shall consist of seven (7) persons appointed by the Governor from the three (3) Associations. Each member shall serve two (2) year terms. The Board shall meet biannually, at such times and dates, as determined by the Board. Board meetings shall be conducted at the Department. The Board shall elect a chairperson to preside over the Board for a two (2) year term. The Board shall hold its first meeting within thirty (30) days following the approval by the Governor of all of the nominated Board members.

Within sixty (60) days following the first meeting of the Board, the Board shall establish, in writing, eligibility criteria and award standards for firefighters, who are diagnosed with cancer, that are eligible for funds under this Program. Within sixty (60) days following the first meeting of the Board, the Board shall also establish deposit and distribution process with the Department for donations received under Section 3 (C) of this Rule. Nothing in this Rule or Program hereby provides or vests any person with a legal or administrative right to any funds collected under this Program. This Program is discretionary and charitable in nature.

Individuals or businesses may make donations to the Program by making donations payable to the “Arkansas Firefighter Cancer Relief Trust Fund” (“Fund”). The Board may consult with the Commissioner pertaining to the administration of this Fund, related to receipt of donated funds, deposit procedures, and distribution of funds to awarded firefighters. The Board shall designate and publish the requisite contact information and describe the donation process for individuals or companies donating to this Program. The Department may assist the Board in developing any necessary administrative forms for donation amount certifications, and public notice information about the process for making donations to this Program.