The furtherance of the best interests of the Firemen's Relief Associations of New Jersey which are or may become members of the Association so that the funds of the said Relief Associations may be protected and the best results for the benefit of aged and needy active and/or otherwise qualified fire persons and their families, and those injured, incapacitated or killed in the performance of their duty may be achieved; the protection against the encroachment upon the source of said funds, the advancement of the status and the best interest of all fire persons, the development and advancement of the best methods of fire protection and the cultivation of fraternal fellowship among the various departments and fire persons throughout the State of New Jersey and elsewhere.