Massachusetts § 81A - Alternative provisions for retirement of firemen

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 81A — Alternative provisions for retirement of firemen, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 81A. Alternative provisions for retirement of firemen

Section 81A. In cities, except Boston, which have accepted this section and section eighty-one B by vote of the city council subject to the provisions of the city charter, the appropriate retirement board, established under section twenty, shall retire from active service:

(a) Any fireman, call fireman or substitute call fireman who becomes permanently disabled, mentally or physically, by injuries sustained or illness incurred through no fault of his own in the actual performance of duty, from further performing duty as such member.

(b) Any permanent member of the fire department who has performed faithful service therein for not less than twenty years continuously, who becomes permanently incapacitated for further duty as such member before attaining the age of sixty.

(c) Any permanent member of said department, at his request, at any time after attaining the age of sixty and before attaining the age of sixty-five if he has performed faithful service therein for not less than twenty years continuously.

(d) Any permanent member of said department on attaining the age of sixty-five without any request on his part. No permanent member of said department shall remain in service after he has attained or shall attain the age of sixty-five.

No fireman whose employment began after June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and thirty-seven shall be subject to the provisions of this section and section eighty-one B.

The provisions of sections eighty and eighty-one, or of any special law authorizing the granting of non-contributory pensions to members of the fire department thereof, shall no longer apply in any city which accepts this section and section eighty-one B.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 81A

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 81A cover?

Section 81A ("Alternative provisions for retirement of firemen") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 81A?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 81A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 81A apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.