DALTON, Mass. — The Fire District is considering interim Fire Chief Christopher Francis Cachat for the permanent chief position, pending required state approval.

 

Cachat has been serving as chief since January 2025, with the duties being split between himself, Administrative Deputy Chief Charlotte Crane, and Capt. Dennis Tinker. 

 

However, one challenge to making his appointment permanent is that Cachat is older than 65, the mandatory retirement age for firefighters in Massachusetts.

 

In 1987, the state eliminated the maximum age and mandatory retirement requirements for most public employees, but firefighters were exempt from this ruling. 

 

The law requires the personnel administrator to study whether a firefighter can serve past the mandatory retirement age, considering job risks, physical demands, and the costs of injuries for older personnel.

 

Towns and cities can seek a home-rule petition from the state Legislature and governor to allow an individual to continue serving in a position past the age of 65, and the Fire District is in the process of doing just that. 

 

State Rep. Leigh Davis filed a home-rule bill last March on the district's behalf to allow Cachat, who has been with the department for four decades, to continue serving until age 70, provided he remains physically and mentally capable of fulfilling the role’s duties. 

 

"The bill is a standard maximum age exemption bill which is common in many Western Massachusetts communities. They often have difficulty filling positions and seek age exemption legislation," said Patrick Charles, assistant deputy director of the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission. 

 

In August 2025, the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government gave the bill a favorable vote and has been marked as "ought to pass."

 

According to Davis, the bill is on its way to the House Committee on Bills for the Third Reading, which is one of the final stops before being engrossed in the House. It should be officially sent to Third Reading during an informal session Thursday.

 

The petition says that, if requested, Cachat may undergo a town-funded examination by an impartial physician appointed by the board to assess his capability.

 

Additionally, no deductions would be taken from Cachat's regular compensation for any service after he turns 65. Upon retirement, he will receive the same superannuation allowance as if he had retired at age 65.

 

If approved, Cachat, who is currently 68, would serve as chief for about a year and a half, at which time the Board of Water Commissioners will need to hire a new chief.