BOSTON – A home rule petition filed on the town of Lynnfield’s behalf by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn) to extend Fire Chief Glenn Davis’ employment has been signed into law.
The home rule petition, which was filed as House Bill 4146 and is now Chapter 86 of the Acts of 2024, allows Chief Davis to continue serving in his current position for up to five years beyond the state-mandated firefighter retirement age of 65. The bill was signed into law on April 24 and takes effect immediately.
“With the Lynnfield Public Safety project in full construction, Chief Davis provides steady and exceptional leadership during these important times,” Select Board Chair Dick Dalton said. “The Select Board thanks Chief Davis for delaying his retirement to see this project to completion and we thank Rep. Jones and Sen. Crighton for their advocacy and leadership to make this a reality.”
“Chief Davis has earned the respect and trust of not only his department, but also the residents and elected officials of Lynnfield during a distinguished public safety career serving the town,” Jones said. “He is truly deserving of being allowed to continue to lead the Lynnfield Fire Department after turning 65, and this home rule petition will make that possible.”
“Extending Chief Davis’ tenure ensures that Lynnfield will continues to benefit from his wealth of experience and steadfast commitment to public safety,” Crighton said. “He has always demonstrated exceptional leadership and a dedication to the community, especially during challenging times.”
Under current state law, Chief Davis would have been forced to retire by July of 2025, when he turns 65. With the passage of Chapter 86, he is now authorized to continue leading 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. As a condition of his continued employment, Chief Davis must also be “mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of his office.”
Lynnfield voters overwhelmingly approved extending Chief Davis’ employment by a vote of 421-54 at the October 16, 2023, Lynnfield Fall Town Meeting, clearing the way for Representative Jones and Senator Crighton to file the required enabling legislation on the town’s behalf.
