Franklin's Spillane Gets Career Extension as Dedham Chief

Long-time Franklin resident, William Spillane, got a boost from late session action by the state legislature with the passage of H 4998, authorizing Dedham to continue his employment as fire chief to age 68 rather than age 65. The measure was one of the last signed into law this week by outgoing Governor Baker.

Spillane’s tenure with Dedham dates back to 1984, when he first joined the departments. Since then, he has held many positions of increasing responsibility within the department, including:

• Promoted to lieutenant and assigned to Engine 3 in East Dedham in 1994
• Served as acting deputy chief for extended periods of time, 1997-2010
• Appointed to deputy fire chief, 2010
• Appointed acting fire chief,2012
• Appointed as the Emergency Management Director, 2013(accredited as fire chief, the same year).
• Sworn in as the Dedham Fire Chief, 2014.

Although the bill overrides chapter 32 of the General Laws, it includes a stipulation that Spillane remains physically and mentally capable of performing the duties of fire chief; and provides that the town of Dedham may require Spillane to undergo an examination, at the expense of the town, by an impartial physician designated by the town to determine his fitness to remain in service.