Said chief is hereby authorized to have trained and employed at the rescue stations operated by said division within the state, rescue crews as he may determine necessary. Each member of such crews shall devote at least four hours each month, or eight hours bimonthly, for training purposes and shall be available at all times to assist in rescue work. Regular crew members shall receive for such services the highest prevailing hourly wage rate in the industry and shall receive the same per diem and expenses as provided to state employees. Workers' compensation benefits as prescribed by Alabama workers' compensation laws shall be provided for all employees engaged in carrying out the mandates of this section and coal mining laws of the State of Alabama. Sufficient funds shall be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this section, Section 25-9-64 and Sections 25-9-66 through 25-9-70.
Ala. Code § 25-9-65 (1975)