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

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, a son or daughter of George Hickey, who died on April 10, 1998 as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of his duty as a police officer of the city of Medford, who passes the required written and physical examination for entrance to the police service shall have his or her name certified for original appointment to the police service before all other persons on the eligible list for appointment; but if more than 1 person is eligible pursuant to this act, the names of such persons shall be certified in order of their respective scores on the open competitive civil service examination for the police service.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.