The exemption certificates and veteran's and firemen's tenure acts have existed for many years and are "identical in form and substance." Maxwell v. Wildwood, 111 N.J.L. 181, 184 (Sup. Ct. 1933) The earlier version of the firemen's tenure statute was construed in Grimm v. Sussex Bd. of Chosen Freeholders, 118 N.J.L. 210 (Sup.Ct. 1937), where the court found that It is quite clear also that one holding a position, the term of which is not fixed by law and receiving a county salary, is protected under the statute from discharge without good cause being shown if he is the holder of an exemption certificate issued to him as a member of a volunteer fire department.
Plaintiff is a holder of an exempt fireman certificate who has occupied the county position to which he was appointed continuously for over 24 years. It is not necessary that he have had the certificate when appointed, Grimm v. Sussex Bd. of Chosen Freeholders, 118 N.J.L. 210 (Sup.Ct. 1937), and it has been held that a term coextensive with the appointing agency's pleasure, as is the case under N.J.S.A. 2A:157-10, is an indefinite one for purposes of the Exempt Firemen's Tenure Act, Maxwell v. Wildwood, 111 N.J.L. 181, 184 (Sup.Ct. 1933). The requirements of the act have patently been met here and tenure would normally attach in the absence of other considerations.