Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, Elmer S. Fitzgerald, Jr., chief of the fire department of the town of Ashby, may continue in such position until June 30, 2000; provided, however, that he is mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of such office. Said Elmer S. Fitzgerald, Jr. shall, at his own expense, be examined by an impartial physician designated by said town to determine such capability. No further deductions shall be made from the regular compensation of said employee under the provisions of chapter 32 of the General Laws for service subsequent to June 30, 1998 and upon retirement said employee shall receive a superannuation retirement allowance equal to that which he would have been entitled had he retired on said date.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.