Jones, Crighton Secure Enactment of Chief Davis Bill

Lynnfield Fire Chief Glenn Davis would be allowed to continue serving in his current position for up to five years beyond the state-mandated firefighter retirement age of 65, under legislation that was enacted by the House and Senate on April 18 and is now on Governor Maura Healey’s desk for her review and signature.

Filed on the town’s behalf by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn), House Bill 4146 authorizes Chief Davis to continue to lead the Lynnfield Fire Department until he reaches the age of 70, retires, or is relieved of his duties by the Lynnfield Select Board at its discretion, whichever occurs first. The bill also requires that he be “mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of his office” as a condition of his continued employment and precludes any time he serves beyond the age of 65 from applying to the calculation of his superannuation retirement benefits.

The request to extend Chief Davis’ employment was overwhelmingly approved as Article 6 at the October 16, 2023 Lynnfield Fall Town Meeting by a vote of 421-54. Without this legislation, Chief Davis would be forced to retire by July of 2025, the month he turns 65, as stipulated by state law under Chapter 415 of the Acts of 1987.

“The Lynnfield Select Board has expressed its confidence in Chief Davis’ leadership skills and performance, a sentiment that was strongly echoed by Town Meeting voters last fall,” said Representative Jones. “Waiving the mandatory retirement age for Chief Davis will help to maintain continuity within the Lynnfield Fire Department and ensure a smooth transition to the next fire chief once he decides to step down.”

“Extending Chief Davis’ tenure ensures that Lynnfield will continue to benefit from his wealth of experience and steadfast commitment to public safety,” said Senator Crighton. “He has always demonstrated exceptional leadership and a dedication to the community, especially during challenging times.”

Governor Healey has until April 28 to sign House Bill 4146 into law.