The New York City Council passed a resolution Thursday asking the state legislature to change the age limit for military members wanting to serve in the New York City Fire Department.
The FDNY rejected 37-year-old Shaun Donovan’s application because of his age.
“It is always painful for the city to have to reject a job candidate, especially one who is serving to protect our country. However, the rules cannot be changed for one person,” Department of Administrative Services spokeswoman Jacqueline Gold said.
Military members are already allowed to be six years older than the current department age limit of 29. The Navy SEAL, who has served four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, missed the age cutoff by six months and 25 days.
“It was a letdown,” he told New York Post in April. “I was allowed to apply and take the test. At no point was I made aware I was outside any age limit. It just seemed everything was lined up and ready to go.”
The legislation would allow military members to be seven years older than the current age limit. State lawmakers have until June 19, when their legislative session ends, to pass the legislation.
A Staten Island councilman appeared hopeful that it would be passed before then.
“It looks like this problem has been rectified, and Special Operations Chief Donovan will be able to join the FDNY per state legislation and today’s city council home rule message!” Joe Borelli tweeted.
So lost in today’s news – it looks like this problem has been rectified, and Special Operations Chief Donovan will be able to join the FDNY per state legislation and today’s city council home rule message! https://t.co/AJ6XtvVvzy via @nypmetro
— Joe Borelli (@JoeBorelliNYC) June 13, 2019
