Governor To Sign Bill To Allow Framingham Police Officer To Work Past Age 65

Press release from Rep. Tom Sannicandro's Office:

On his 65th birthday, Framingham Police Officer Robert Tibor will be granted an exemption from the mandatory police retirement age of 65. 

Rep. Tom Sannicandro (D-Ashland), Chris Walsh (D-Framingham) and Sen. Spilka (D-Ashland) announced that H3792 passed the House and Senate in informal session and will go to Governor Patrick to be signed by midnight tonight.

The bill allows Officer Tibor to remain on the Framingham police force until December of 2015, at a time when the Framingham Police Department does not have enough police in training to fill the vacancy that would arise. The extension will also come at no increased pension cost to the town.

“We are proud to extend the service of a dedicated public servant,” Sannicandro said. “We are grateful that Officer Tibor has agreed to stay on and continue to protect the residents of Framingham at a time when the town needs to retain officers.”

“I am happy we were able to deliver on our commitment to extend Officer Tibor’s retirement age as a police officer,” Walsh said. “As a community we recognize the dedication he brings to Framingham and today, on his birthday, we thank him for his continued service.”

“Happy birthday to Officer Tibor,” said Sen. Spilka. “We are pleased that the Legislature was able to act today to help the town maintain him on the force and we are grateful that he is willing to serve.”

In a process that can take months, Rep. Sannicandro, Walsh and Sen. Spilka were able to expedite the bill in less than six weeks in time to allow Officer Tibor uninterrupted employment as a Framingham officer.

Under Massachusetts law the mandatory retirement age is 65 for police officers and firefighters in every city and town. However, departments routinely seek exemptions for this law through legislative means. The exemption allows an officer to receive a salary, but additional pension benefits are not increased for any years after 65. In July of this year an exemption was granted to the chief of the fire department of the town of Chelmsford.