Applications for pensions shall be made in writing to the board and shall be filed with the city clerk. The applicant shall furnish such proofs as shall be required by the board. Proof of deduction from pay as herein provided shall be prima facie evidence that the person from whose pay deduction was made, was a policeman or fireman. Any person who shall make any false statement for the purpose of securing or to aid any person to secure such pension, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars or imprisonment not to exceed ninety days, or both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.