BOSTON -- Lancaster will hold a town meeting Monday night to discuss pension coverage for volunteer firefighters.

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Jack Harper Reports On Pension Battle RESOURCES Discussion: Should Town Pay Benefits? Donations: Lancaster Credit Union Mechanic St. Clinton, MA 01510

NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reported that last week, Lancaster voters narrowly defeated a tax override that would have secured pension benefits for Claire McNamara. Her husband, Martin McNamara, was a volunteer firefighter killed in the line of duty last year.

"We have towns from all over the state calling, trying to get involved, trying to find out how it affects them, and they are all coming to the realization that their families are not protected," said Lancaster Fire Department Chief John Fleck.

After McNamara's death, thousands of volunteer firefighters learned that their towns are not required to pay their families death benefits. A proposed pension for Claire McNamara and her three daughters divided Lancaster.

"As far as I am concerned, (the family is) looking for every dime they can get, and it is on the backs of people who can't afford it," said Lancaster resident Don Hewitt.

People on both sides of the debate want the Legislature to help the town.

"I think (the Legislature) should get off their lazy duffs and look at this. This is the 21st century. There are a lot of volunteer firefighters out there, and they are heroic to get up in the middle of the night and, by right, they should be covered," said Hewitt.

"What we are going through is going to happen in a day, week or a year from now in some other community, and if we don't all get together to find a way to provide these benefits, we are all going to end up being in the same situation that Lancaster is in -- providing a benefit when none exists," said Dave Dunn, Lancaster selectman.

Some in town were quick to point out the widow already received assistance of about $400,000 from various sources, and her children will receive free tuition at any state college or university.

"I don't have any comment at this stage. We are watching with interest at what they are going to be doing," said Gov. Mitt Romney.

On Sunday, the Brotherhood of Firefighters stepped in, trying to raise money and collect donations for the family across town with a boot drive.

"It's just a matter of us looking out for each other, and looking out for each others' families," said volunteer firefighter Mike Hanson.

"It just shows support to do what I can. If it were me, I would hope they would do the same for me," said volunteer firefighter Roger McManus.

The boot drive raised about $10,000, but the volunteers plan to take their fight to Beacon Hill. They want a state law to help the families of fallen volunteer firefighters.