Any firefighter who is a member of the relief association established under chapter 18-05 may continue as a member of the relief association created by this chapter if the department of which the firefighter is a member has elected to come under the provisions of this chapter, and any member of the relief association established under chapter 18-05 receiving pensions or benefits or widow or children receiving pensions or benefits shall continue to receive such pensions or benefits as are prescribed and being paid under existing association bylaws and any firefighter who is a member of an association maintained under chapter 18-05, and who becomes eligible for full pension under that association’s bylaws, may not be penalized by any conditions of this chapter. Whenever a department votes to come under the provisions of this chapter, any and all funds or accounts and all other records and property maintained by any relief association being discontinued must be transferred to the relief association being established under this chapter.