Five fire district members could keep serving under age and fitness limits

The bill would allow the five members to keep serving in their positions. David Rehorka and John Annear serve in the Montague Center Fire District; Annear also serves in Turners Falls. Richard Sawin, Lawrence William Peters Jr., and Sallie Sawin serve in Turners Falls. Each member must remain mentally and physically able to perform the job. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Each district's committee could require annual exams for covered members, paid for by the district. The Montague Center Fire District committee could require exams for David Rehorka and John Annear. The Turners Falls committee could require exams for John Annear, Richard Sawin, Lawrence William Peters Jr., and Sallie Sawin. A physician chosen by the district must assess each covered member's physical and mental ability to do the job. The bill would take effect upon passage.

The bill would stop further retirement or pension deductions from the five members' regular pay after each turns 65. This applies to John Annear, Richard Sawin, Lawrence William Peters Jr., David Rehorka, and Sallie Sawin for their service to the districts. The bill would take effect upon passage; the deduction rule applies after each member reaches age 65.