Any person who has served in the armed services of the United States and been discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable within 6 months prior to making application to any municipality for appointment as a member or officer of the police department or force, may be appointed a member or officer of such police department or force if otherwise qualified notwithstanding that he was not a resident of New Jersey at the time of such application provided, at the time of making application for appointment said person signs a notice of intention and agreement to become a resident of New Jersey within 6 months from the date of appointment.

In the event such appointee fails to become a resident of New Jersey within the aforementioned 6-month period, he shall then cease to be a member or officer of said police department or force. The governing body shall cause to be served on the officer or member at least 15 days before the expiration of the period of nonresidency permitted, a notice that he is required to become a resident of New Jersey within the time mentioned, and in the event such notice is not given for the officer or member to become a resident of New Jersey the time for the officer or member to become a resident of New Jersey is extended until such notice is given.

L.1971, c. 197, s. 1, eff. July 1, 1971. Amended by L.1972, c. 3, s. 19, eff. Feb. 15, 1972.