There is hereby created in each borough, incorporated town and township of the first class, where a fire apparatus operator is being maintained or employed, a civil service commission, hereinafter referred to as a commission: Provided, however, That each borough, incorporated town and township of the first class above mentioned shall have the option and privilege of not appointing a new civil service commission under this act, and in lieu thereof, may utilize and use for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this act, the civil service commission already existing and functioning under the provisions of section two of the act, approved the fifth day of June, one thousand nine hundred forty-one (Pamphlet Laws, eighty-four).¹

Each commission shall consist of three commissioners who shall be qualified electors of the political subdivision for which appointed, and shall be appointed initially to serve for the terms of two, four and six years and as terms thereafter expire, shall be appointed for a period of six years as follows:

In the case of a borough, the appointment shall be made by the borough council; in the case of an incorporated town, the appointments shall be made by the town council; and in the case of the townships of the first class, the appointments shall be made by the township commissioners.

The members of each commission first appointed under the provisions of this act shall be so appointed within thirty days after the effective date of this act.

Any vacancy occurring in any commission for any reason whatsoever shall be filled for the unexpired term within the period of thirty days after such vacancy occurs. Such vacancies shall be filled by the appointing power which made the original appointment.

Each member of the commission created by this act, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of his office, shall take an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to perform his official duties with fidelity.