Nothing herein contained shall be construed to apply to firemen or policemen appointed at the request and expense of private parties. The terms `fireman' and, `policeman' herein used, shall be construed to include any woman who shall be appointed as firewoman or policewoman. In case of the death of a firewoman or policewoman under conditions which create the right of pensions under the terms hereof, then the widower shall have the same right to a pension as would a widow surviving a fireman or policeman.