(a)(1) Any member of the fund who is in good standing with the fund, who leaves work as a firefighter or volunteer firefighter, and who elects to leave in the fund during such leave from work as a firefighter or voluntary firefighter the dues which the member has theretofore paid, shall, upon application to the board, be entitled to obtain a leave of absence from the fund for a period of not more than two years. Upon application prior to the expiration of any leave of absence or extended leave of absence, such a member shall be entitled to an extension of such leave of absence for a period of not greater than two years. If a member who leaves work as a firefighter or volunteer firefighter fails to apply for and maintain in effect a leave of absence, the board may treat such failure as an election to withdraw from membership in the fund as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section and Code Section 47-7-105.

(2) A member of the fund who obtains a leave of absence under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall, upon application to the board, be entitled to reinstatement to active status in the fund; provided, however, that upon such application, the applicant meets the requirements set forth in Code Section 47-7-40 as a prerequisite to reinstated active membership. Such member shall be entitled to credit for service rendered before obtaining a leave of absence and after reinstatement but shall not be entitled to credit for any period during such leave of absence.

(b)(1) A member may at any time elect to withdraw from membership in the fund and upon such withdrawal shall be entitled to a refund of dues theretofore paid by such member as provided in Code Section 47-7-105. Any member who elects to withdraw from membership in the fund shall not thereafter be eligible for membership or benefits except upon reinstatement to active membership in accordance with this subsection. Any such member may make application to the board for reinstatement of membership. Upon making such application, the applicant must pay to the fund a reinstatement fee of $100.00. Upon reinstatement, such member shall be entitled to credit for service rendered after reinstatement to active membership in the fund but not for service prior to the date of reinstatement. Any such applicant who fails to satisfy the requirements of reinstatement shall not be entitled to membership in the fund.

(2) An applicant for reinstatement of membership in the fund as provided in this subsection shall not be entitled to such reinstatement unless at the time of such application the applicant meets the requirements set forth in Code Section 47-7-40.