On or before May 1st in each year, the board of representatives of each duly incorporated local firemen's relief association in this State shall choose, out of the whole body of the membership thereof, three delegates to the convention or meetings of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association and three alternates, one or more of whom shall act in the place of any delegate so chosen who may be unable to attend the convention or meetings of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association. They, together with the chief, or if there is no chief the next highest ranking officer, shall represent the local association at the conventions or meetings of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association.
N.J.S. § 43:17-42