State Trooper Fired Following Chelmsford Crash Could Receive $85,000 Pension

A Woburn resident and Massachusetts State Police sergeant who was arrested earlier this summer after a Chelmsford crash could be in line for a significant pension despite being fired after the incident.

Sean P. Gately, 48, of Woburn, was arrested on Friday, June 13, after a crash on Boston Road in Chelmsford, according to the Chelmsford Police log posted on Patch in June.

Gately was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor. Later in June, FOX25 reported that Gately had a blood alcohol limit three times the legal limit at the time of the crash.

FOX25 also reported at the time that the woman whose car was totaled in the June crash said she detected a strong odor of alcohol at the scene.

On Tuesday, NECN reported that Gately has a lengthy history of driving incidents, including a conviction for reckless driving and six crashes following the Chelmsford arrest. The television station added that State Police took that into account when he was fired.

The NECN report indicated that after being fired, Gately could receive a pension of at least $85,000 for life, with the possibility that it could increase because he has a masters degree.

A trooper since 1986, Gately made more than $125,000 in 2013, according to NECN.