Fire Chief to ‘hang around a little while longer’ past mandatory retirement age
The Rochester Select Board voted to allow Scott Wiegel to continue in his role of Fire Chief until he turns 67 years old. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
The Rochester Select Board voted to allow Scott Wiegel to continue in his role of Fire Chief until he turns 67 years old. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
ROCHESTER — While most people aim to retire at 65, Rochester Fire Chief Scott Wiegel will serve the town of Rochester for a little while longer.
Following a town meeting vote and subsequent state approval, Wiegel will be allowed to work past the position’s mandatory retirement age of 65.
The Rochester community voted to allow Wiegel to continue working past his 65th birthday at a Special Town Meeting on Jan. 22.
Rochester Town Administrator Glenn Cannon said that a draft of the language for the proposed change was then sent to the state of Massachusetts, who reviewed the draft and made recommendations.
“[The state] wants to cap the age at 67,” said Cannon. “Retirement would be capped at 65.”
This would mean that while Wiegel can work past the position’s mandated retirement age, he wouldn’t be able to continue collecting retirement benefits into his 67th year.
The last step of the process was the need for approval by the Rochester Select Board, which came swiftly at a Feb. 20 meeting.
“I’ll hang around for a little while longer,” said Wiegel. “Things to do. Things to take care of.”
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