(a) Establishment.--A civil service commission is established in each borough where a police force or paid fire apparatus operators are maintained.

(b) Membership and terms.--The commission shall consist of three commissioners who shall be qualified electors of the borough and appointed by the council initially to serve for the terms of two, four and six years. As terms expire, the commissioners shall be appointed for terms of six years.

(c) Vacancies.--A vacancy occurring in the commission for any reason shall be filled by the council for the unexpired term within the period of 30 days after the vacancy occurs.

(d) Alternate members.--

(1) Council may appoint no more than three qualified electors of the borough to serve as alternate members of the commission. The term of office of the alternate members shall be six years.

(2) If seated under section 1174 (relating to organization of commission), an alternate shall be entitled to participate in all proceedings and discussions of the commission to the same and full extent as provided by law for commission members, including specifically the right to cast a vote as a voting member during the proceedings, and shall have all the powers and duties specified in this part and as otherwise provided by law.

(3) An alternate member may not hold another office in the borough.

(4) An alternate may participate in any proceeding or discussion of the commission but may not vote as a member of the commission unless designated as a voting alternate member under section 1174.

(e) Oath or affirmation of office.--Each member of the commission, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of office, shall take an oath or affirmation of office under 53 Pa.C.S. § 1141 (relating to form of oaths of office).

(f) Compensation prohibited.--The civil service commissioners shall receive no compensation.