DALTON, Mass. — The Fire District's endeavor to keep interim Fire Chief Christopher Cachat on has ended — though it's not clear if that's permanent. 

 

In a Facebook post Thursday morning, the district announced that during an executive session on Tuesday, the Board of Water Commissioners met with and accepted the retirements of Cachat, Assistant Chief Michael Cachat, Safety Officer Barry Smith, and Safety Officer Steven Perry.

 

The decision comes following grumbling over the district's efforts to obtain state approval to keep Cachat on as a permanent chief position, a requirement given the state's mandatory retirement age for firefighters is 65. 

 

If approved, Cachat, who is currently 68, would serve as chief for about a year and a half, at which time the board will need to hire a new chief. 

 

Capt. Ryan Foley was promoted to interim chief and will be working in this position in a full-time capacity.

 

"The Commissioners, the Fire District, and the Fire Department want to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation for the decades of service from these four outstanding firemen," the district wrote in its post. 

 

"With over 100 years of service among them, their guidance and experience will be greatly missed, and we thank each of them for answering the call for so many years." 

 

Christopher Cachat, former assistant chief, had twice taken the top post after the board had terminated a fire chief. He only served as interim for a few months back in 2023, saying at the time he was about turn 66 and it was "time to step back." 

 

But he has been serving as chief since January 2025, with the duties being split between himself, Administrative Deputy Chief Charlotte Crane, and Capt. Dennis Tinker. 

 

Christian Tobin, who was fired as chief last year and filed suit against the district, has submitted a request for review to several state agencies to determine whether the district is complying with the mandatory retirement law for firefighters. 

 

State agencies included the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission, the Department of Fire Services Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Ethics Commission, and the Attorney General's Office. State Rep. Leigh Davis and Sen. Paul Mark were also copied on the request.

 

Davis filed a home-rule bill last March on the district's behalf to allow Cachat, who has been with the department for four decades, to continue serving until age 70, provided he remains physically and mentally capable of fulfilling the role’s duties. 

 

In his correspondence, Tobin said the filing of the legislation suggests the district "is attempting to obtain authorization to allow continued service beyond the statutory retirement age. 

 

"However, unless and until such legislation is enacted, the situation raises questions regarding whether the district’s current arrangement complies with the statutory framework." 

 

In his email, Tobin acknowledged the pending litigation between himself and the district following his termination, but said his questions are not part of that nor intended to influence or supplement any pending legal claims. 

 

"The purpose of this request is not to target any individual personally, but rather to ensure that the statutory framework governing firefighter retirement and public safety operations is being followed consistently and transparently ... ," he write.

 

"Rather, it reflects ongoing concerns regarding statutory compliance, governance, and public safety practices within the district, particularly where those concerns involve matters that may require independent review by state oversight agencies."

 

The district said it was aware of the mandatory retirement age for firefighters and "pursuing a legislative waiver in accordance with their understanding of the law."

 

"In light of recent inquiries, the district was advised that individuals cannot continue to work for a Fire Department while awaiting such a waiver, and so the Commissioners acted immediately to comply with this correct interpretation of the law," the Facebook post states.

 

"The Commissioners are confident that the Fire Department will continue to progress with the coordinated efforts of its members under the leadership of Chief Foley."

 

iBerkshires has reached out to the Fire District for more information.