In recognition of the indispensable public service role that firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical services persons play in the well-being of the people of this State, it is the purpose of this chapter to provide for assistance to the children and spouses of firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical services persons who are killed in the line of duty so that these children and spouses may have the opportunity to pursue a degree at one of the state postsecondary educational institutions.   [PL 1999, c. 234, §1 (AMD).]