Allows Anthony Del Signore to serve one year past mandatory retirement age
BOSTON – The Reading legislative delegation has secured the passage of legislation allowing the Town of Reading to retain the services of Assistant Fire Chief Anthony Del Signore for up to one year after he reaches the state-mandated retirement age for firefighters in February.
Originally approved by voters at the November 17 Fall Town Meeting, House Bill 5403 was enacted by the House of Representatives on December 29 and by the Senate on January 3, the final day of the 2021-2022 legislative session. Governor Charlie Baker signed the bill into law on January 4 in one of his last official acts as Governor.
Under Massachusetts law, firefighters must retire once they turn 65. With the passage of House Bill 5403, Reading can continue to employ Del Signore in his current position until February 29, 2024, provided he is deemed mentally and physically capable of performing his duties.
“Allowing Mr. Del Signore to continue working for one additional year beyond the mandatory retirement age will help to provide continuity to the Reading Fire Department during the transition period to a new Assistant Fire Chief and will give the Town more time to hire and train a replacement,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “I’m pleased the Reading delegation was able to work together to get this waiver approved in accordance with the vote taken at Town Meeting.”
“Making sure the Reading Fire Department continues to have strong leadership is critical to the department and the safety of our residents,” said Representative Haggerty. “I was very happy to work with my colleagues in the legislature to make sure Assistant Chief Del Signore can continue to serve in the capacity.”
“After being approved at Fall Town Meeting, I’m pleased that the Reading delegation was able to quickly pass legislation to authorize Assistant Fire Chief Del Signore to continue on for an additional year before he retires,” said Senator Lewis. “This will provide time for a smooth transition to Reading’s next Assistant Fire Chief.”
