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 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 their capacity. While continuing to serve as a police officers in the town of Petersham pursuant to this act, Richard D. Cooley Jr. and David A. Shoemaker 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 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 they would have been entitled had they retired upon reaching the age of 65.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved, October 9, 2026.