Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 41.18.040 — Retirement for service — Widow's or widower's pension — Payments to children., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 41.18.040. Retirement for service — Widow's or widower's pension — Payments to children.
Whenever any firefighter, *at the time of taking effect of this act or thereafter, shall have been appointed under civil service rules and have served for a period of twenty-five years or more as a member in any capacity of the regularly constituted fire department of any city, town or fire protection district which may be subject to the provisions of this chapter, and shall have attained the age of fifty years, he or she shall be eligible for retirement and shall be retired by the board upon his or her written request. Upon his or her retirement such firefighter shall be paid a monthly pension which shall be equal to fifty percent of the basic salary now or hereafter attached to the same rank and status held by the said firefighter at the date of his or her retirement: PROVIDED, That a firefighter hereafter retiring who has served as a member for more than twenty-five years, shall have his or her pension payable under this section increased by two percent of the basic salary per year for each full year of such additional service to a maximum of five additional years.
Upon the death of any such retired firefighter, his or her pension shall be paid to his widow or her widower, at the same monthly rate that the retired firefighter would have received had he or she lived, if such widow or widower was his wife or her husband for a period of five years prior to the time of his or her retirement. If there be no widow or widower, then such monthly payments shall be distributed to and divided among his or her children, share and share alike, until they reach the age of eighteen or are married, whichever occurs first.
Notes
*Reviser's note: The phrase "at the time of taking effect of this act or thereafter" first appears in the 1961 amendment, which became effective at midnight June 7, 1961 (see preface, 1961 session laws). The basic act, 1955 c 382, became effective at midnight June 8, 1955 (see preface, 1955 session laws).
Intent—Finding—2007 c 218: See note following RCW
41.08.020.
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW
2.12.030.
Applicability—1969 ex.s. c 209: See RCW
41.18.102.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 41.18.040
What does Revised Code of Washington § 41.18.040 cover?
Section 41.18.040 ("Retirement for service — Widow's or widower's pension — Payments to children.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. 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 Washington § 41.18.040?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 41.18.040" (Washington). 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 Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 41.18.040 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington 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 Washington.
