An Act authorizing the town of Medfield to continue the employment of David O'Toole as deputy fire chief

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Becca Rausch

Allows Medfield to keep Deputy Fire Chief David O'Toole in role until age 70, retirement, or removal, contingent on health, with annual medical reviews covered by the town.

Hearing scheduled for 07/14/2026 from 11:00 AM-04:00 PM in A-1

Summary of Bill: S.3139 (194th MA General Court)

Purpose and intent

This bill authorizes the town of Medfield to permit David O'Toole, currently Deputy Fire Chief, to continue serving in that role beyond the usual retirement age. Specifically, it allows him to stay in position until age 70, retirement, or removal by the town’s Select Board, whichever occurs first, provided he remains mentally and physically capable.

Key provisions

Eligibility to continue service:

David O'Toole may continue as Deputy Fire Chief until:
He reaches age 70,
Or retires,
Or is relieved of duties by the Medfield Select Board.

Qualification condition:

The continuation is contingent on O'Toole being mentally and physically capable of performing the duties.

annual medical review:

The Select Board may require annual medical examinations, at the town’s expense, by a physician designated by the Select Board, to assess physical and mental capability for the role.

compensation and retirement treatment:

No further deductions will be made from O'Toole’s regular compensation for service after age 65 under Chapter 32.
Upon retirement for superannuation, he shall receive a retirement allowance equivalent to what he would have received if he had retired at age 65.

Effective date:

The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

Primary beneficiary: David O'Toole, Deputy Fire Chief of Medfield.

Municipal governance: Medfield Select Board (responsible for medical determinations, eligibility, and any removal).

Medfield taxpayers/housing of costs: potential costs associated with annual medical exams (the bill specifies that the town would cover these expenses).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Filing and sponsorship:

Filed June 3, 2026.
Sponsored by Senator Rebecca L. Rausch; co-sponsored by Becca Rausch.

Current status:

Referred to the Senate Committee on Public Service on June 23, 2026.

Legislative path:

As a local approval bill, it requires approval by the appropriate local authorities for Medfield, in addition to state legislative passage.

Potential impact and considerations

Personnel flexibility:

Enables Medfield to retain experienced leadership in the fire department beyond the typical retirement age, potentially preserving institutional knowledge and continuity.

Fiscal considerations:

While the bill specifies medical examinations at town expense, it does not specify a general salary increase or new retirement costs beyond the described benefits; long-term cost implications would depend on the terms of the town’s existing retirement and health-related expenditures.

Precedent and equity:

The bill creates an exception to general laws related to retirement age; local residents and town officials may consider consistency across departments or similar requests in the future.

This summary focuses on the substantive changes the bill would implement, who it affects, and how it would function if enacted.