FILED ON: 4/16/2024

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 4557

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)

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An Act authorizing the town of Deerfield to continue the employment of police department members Michael W. Habel, Robert A. Thrasher, and Mark Jacques.

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, Michael W. Habel, Robert A. Thrasher and Mark Jacques, members of the police department of the town of Deerfield, may continue serving in their positions until they reach 70 years of age, the date of their retirement or non-reappointment, whichever occurs first; provided, however, that they are mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of their position. The select board of the town of Deerfield may, at the town’s expense, require that Michael W. Habel, Robert A. Thrasher and Mark Jacques be examined annually by a physician designated by the select board to determine their physical and mental capability to perform the duties of their position. While continuing to serve as police officers in the town of Deerfield, Michael W. Habel, Robert A. Thrasher and Mark Jacques shall comply with all requirements of chapter 6E of the General Laws, including: (i) maintaining certification and good standing with the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission; and (ii) complying with all in-service and other training requirements mandated by the municipal police training committee. No further deductions shall be made from the regular compensation of Michael W. Habel, Robert A. Thrasher and Mark Jacques pursuant to chapter 32 of the General Laws subsequent to their reaching the age of 65 in connection with their service to the town for retirement or pension purposes.

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