The state Senate has now likewise passed through a measure to remove both the Peabody police and fire chief jobs from Civil Service and all that remains is a couple more votes before Gov. Deval Patrick signs off on the request as well.
State Sen. Joan Lovely, who represents Peabody, tells the Salem News her colleagues approved the home rule petition initiated by the city of Peabody on June 26. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the petition on June 17.
Lovely told the Salem News that as a procedural matter, the petition needs to circulate back to the House for another vote before returning to the Senate again.
Longtime Police Chief Robert Champagne, who planned to retire June 30, is staying on a bit longer until the legislation is sorted out and the city begins seeking a permanent replacement for Champagne.
Mayor Ted Bettencourt proposed removing both chief positions from Civil Service, arguing it would give him more flexibility to hire the best possible candidates for those jobs.
In regard to the Fire Department, the change would not affect Chief Steven Pasdon, but rather his successor.
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