7-33-2315. Certificate of membership in fire company. (1) A firefighter who has served 5 years in an organized company in this state is an exempt firefighter and must receive from the chief engineer of the department or company to which the firefighter belonged a certificate to that effect.

(2) (a) An active firefighter must have a certificate of that fact, signed by the chief of the fire department or the presiding officer of the company to which the firefighter belongs. The certificates must be countersigned by the secretary and over the seal of the company, if one is provided.

(b) If authorized by the bylaws of the company, in lieu of issuing certificates to exempt firefighters exempt certificates may be issued by the clerk and recorder of the county, over the clerk's official seal and signature, which entitles the holder to an exemption from military duty.

(3) Each certificate entitles the holder to an exemption from military duty. Each certificate is prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the certificate.

(4) The secretary of the fire department or company shall keep a record of each certificate of exemption or active membership, the date of the certificate and to whom issued, and, when a seal is not provided, similar entries of certificates issued to obtain certificates from the county clerk and recorder.