The widow of any sheriff's employee who shall die from any cause shall receive a pension so long as she shall remain unmarried, equal to one-half of the amount of the annual salary of such sheriff's employee at the time of his death, and at her death, or in case there be no widow, his minor child or children, until each reaches the age of 16 years, shall receive the amount of said pension for their support. A "widower" shall receive the same benefits as a "widow" receives pursuant to this section.
N.J.S. § 43:10-66