19-17-401. Eligibility for pension benefits. (1) To qualify for a full or partial pension benefit under this chapter, a member must meet the requirements of subsections (2) and (3).

(2) (a) For a full pension benefit, a member must have completed 20 years of service and must have attained 55 years of age, but need not be an active member of a fire company when 55 years of age is reached.

(b) A member who does not complete at least 20 years of service may qualify for a partial pension benefit if the member has completed at least 10 years of service and has attained 60 years of age, but need not be an active member of any fire company when 60 years of age is reached.

(3) Except as provided in 19-17-412:

(a) to receive a pension benefit, a volunteer firefighter may not be an active member of any fire company; and

(b) a volunteer firefighter who receives a pension benefit under this chapter may not become an active member of any fire company.