ADAMS, Mass. — Fire District officials say the state's mandatory retirement age for firefighters will have a "catastrophic" impact on the Fire Department. 

 

After the Dalton Fire District was forced to retire four of its firefighters because of the mandate, the Adams Fire District is now questioning the impact it will have on its Fire Department. 

 

The district will seek a legal opinion regarding its available options. With Chief John Pansecchi set to retire, First Assistant Engineer David Lennon intends to run for the chief position, while Edward Capeless plans to run for Lennon's current role.

 

However, this mandate would also affect Capeless, so the district would need to seek a home-rule bill to waive the mandated retirement, which Lennon advocated they do as soon as possible because it is a lengthy process. 

 

Dalton had filed a home-rule petition last year but its fire chief was forced to retire because the bill is still sitting on Beacon Hill. 

 

Some wondered whether the policy applies to elected positions because they are not treated the same as employed firefighters. 

 

According to Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission Assistant Deputy Director Patrick Charles, the maximum age applies to all members of a paid department whether they are elected or not.