The governing body of any municipality, by resolution, may provide for the payment of a sum not to exceed $1,500.00 to any officer of the municipality including a member of the governing body who shall have been injured in the performance of duty as such officer. In the event of the death of any such officer in the performance of duty, a similar sum may be paid to the widow or dependents.

Any such resolution shall prescribe the manner and method of payment.

L.1971, c. 200, s. 1, eff. July 1, 1971.