(a) It is directed by this subchapter that the head of each state agency with fire services, including the State Fire Marshal, the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, and the Rural Fire Protection Service, and all fire services agencies of local governments shall appoint a member or members of its staff as fire services liaison officer or officers to act on its behalf in coordinating and ensuring the agency's capability to fulfill its role in fire services activities.

(b) It shall be the responsibility of this officer or these officers to:

(1) Maintain close and continuous liaison with the Office of Fire Protection Services, as applicable;

(2) Prepare agency operations plans in cooperation with this subchapter and with the office;

(3) Submit a list of the various firefighting, prevention, training, mitigation, and adjunct services the agency is trained and equipped to perform;

(4) Maintain files of agency resources to include personnel, facilities, and equipment available for fire services and adjunct services operations;

(5) Submit a semiannual report to the office of the various firefighting, prevention, training, mitigation, and adjunct services the agency is trained and equipped to perform;

(6) Ensure that the agency can respond promptly and cooperatively with other agencies in any firefighting situations or major emergency situations under the procedures cooperatively agreed to in the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Resources Plan and coordinated by the office; and

(7) Perform other related functions necessary to carry out the purpose of this subchapter.

(c) Nothing in subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall be interpreted as relieving or otherwise abridging the responsibility and authority of any state or local agency directors in carrying out the fire services and adjunct services operations for which their agencies are solely responsible.