Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, John Ridge of the city of Boston, son of William J. Ridge, a deceased police officer of said city, for the purpose of placement on the eligible list for appointment for the position of police officer in said city, shall be considered to be a son of a police officer, who while in the performance of his duties and as a result of an assault on his person, was killed or sustained injuries resulting in his death, as provided in section 26 of chapter 31 of the General Laws provided that he passes the required written and physical examination for entrance to police service.