Massachusetts § 88 - Pensions for dependents of persons killed while aiding police officers or firefighters

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 88 — Pensions for dependents of persons killed while aiding police officers or firefighters, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 88. Pensions for dependents of persons killed while aiding police officers or firefighters

Section 88. The selectmen of any town which accepts this section or has accepted corresponding provisions of earlier laws by a two thirds vote at an annual town meeting may pay to the widow of any person aiding a police officer in the discharge of his duty by the order or request of such officer or any of the authorities of the town, or to the widow of a person doing fire duty at the request or by the order of the authorities of the town, if it has no organized fire department, or of a person performing the duties of a fireman in such town, who dies from injuries received through no fault of his own in the actual performance of his duty, a pension not exceeding three hundred dollars a year while such widow remains unmarried, or, if there is no widow, a pension not exceeding said sum for the benefit of any of the children under sixteen of such deceased person while any such child is under the age of sixteen, and the selectmen of such town may determine the amount of such pension within said limits. No payments shall be made under this section on account of any death in respect to which compensation is payable under section eighty-nine.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 88

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 88 cover?

Section 88 ("Pensions for dependents of persons killed while aiding police officers or firefighters") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 88?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 88" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 88 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.