Massachusetts House Bill H4535

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/4/24

Caption

Authorizing the appointment of retired firefighters as special firefighters in the city of Quincy

Impact

The legislation has implications on state laws regarding how retired firefighters can be utilized. Notably, the bill allows these special firefighters to circumvent some age restrictions typically applied to regular firefighters, which could help mitigate shortages during specific events or emergencies. Furthermore, it establishes a new framework for the appointment and management of these positions, thereby formalizing their role within the city’s fire department and potentially altering employment practices related to firefighting in Quincy.

Summary

House Bill 4535 authorizes the fire chief of the city of Quincy to appoint retired firefighters as special firefighters to perform fire details and related duties. This bill is significant as it aims to utilize experienced retired personnel for fire detail work, potentially enhancing public safety and ensuring that fire details are managed efficiently. Given that the appointments are only for retired firefighters from Quincy, it focuses on local resources and expertise within the community.

Contention

There are considerations regarding how this bill interacts with existing laws that govern firefighters' roles and responsibilities. While it seeks to bolster local fire response capabilities, there may be concerns from within the broader firefighting community regarding the potential for creating different standards for retired versus active firefighters. Moreover, the provision regarding medical examinations and the associated costs borne by the retired firefighters could be contentious, raising questions about equity and accessibility in appointments.