HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 5681        FILED ON: 2/10/2026

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Aaron L. Saunders and Joanne M. Comerford

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
 Court assembled:

 The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act authorizing the town of Petersham to continue the employment of police department members Richard D. Cooley Jr. and David A. Shoemaker.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 5681        FILED ON: 2/10/2026

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act authorizing the town of Petersham to continue the employment of police department members Richard D. Cooley Jr. and David A. Shoemaker.

 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

 SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, Richard D. Cooley Jr. and David A. Shoemaker, Police officers with the Petersham Police Department of the Town of Petersham, may continue in such position until they reach 70 years of age, the date of their retirement or they are relieved of their duties, whichever occurs first; provided, however, that Richard D. Cooley Jr. and David A. Shoemaker are mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of the position. The town may require, at its own expense, that Richard D. Cooley Jr. and David A. Shoemaker be examined by an impartial physician designated by the town to determine his capacity. No further deductions shall be made from the regular compensation of Richard D. Cooley Jr. and David A. Shoemaker pursuant to chapter 32 of the General Laws and upon retirement Richard D. Cooley Jr. and David A. Shoemaker shall receive a superannuation retirement allowance equal to that which he would have been entitled had he retired upon reaching the age of 65.

 SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.