(a)

(1) There is created the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board.

(2) The board shall be composed of fifteen (15) members to be appointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by the Senate as follows:

(A)

(i) Four (4) members shall be fire chiefs appointed by the Governor after consulting the Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs.

(ii) Two (2) of the fire chiefs under this subdivision (a)(2)(A) shall be full paid fire chiefs, one (1) shall be a volunteer fire chief, and one (1) shall be a retired fire chief or a volunteer fire chief;

(B) Two (2) members shall be appointed after consulting the Arkansas Rural and Volunteer Firefighters Association;

(C) Four (4) members shall be appointed after consulting the Arkansas State Firefighters Association, all of whom shall be volunteer firefighters;

(D) Four (4) members shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association; and

(E) The State Forester of the Arkansas Forestry Commission or his or her designee.

(3) The Director of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, the Director of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management or his or her designee, and the State Fire Marshal or his or her designee shall be ex officio members.

(4) Members shall serve three-year terms.

(5) Each member shall hold office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.

(b)

(1) The board shall elect annually a chair, vice chair, and secretary.

(2) The board shall meet at the call of the chair or a majority of the members.

(3) A majority of the members constitutes a quorum.

(c) The Governor shall fill vacancies occurring on the board with appointments for the duration of the unexpired terms.

(d) The members shall serve without pay but may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.