Rhode Island General Laws Title 45. Towns and Cities § 45-19.1-2. Definitions

(a) “ Disability” means a condition of physical incapacity to perform any assigned duty or duties in the fire department.

(b) “ Fire department” means service groups (paid or volunteer) that are organized and trained for the prevention and control of loss of life and property from any fire or disaster.

(c) “ Firefighter” means an individual, paid or volunteer, who is a member of a fire department or a city, town, or fire district emergency medical services unit and is required to respond to alarms and performs emergency action.

(d) “ Occupational cancer” means a cancer arising out of the person's employment as a firefighter, due to injury from exposures to smoke, fumes, or carcinogenic, poisonous, toxic, or chemical substances while in the performance of active duty in the fire department.