State Reps Push To Keep Framingham Police Officer, Age 65, On The Job Until 2015

Framingham state representatives Tom Sannicandro and Chris Walsh testified Tuesday on behalf of Framingham Police Officer Robert Tibor, who is seeking an exemption from the state's mandatory police retirement age of 65. 

Sannicandro and Walsh are working to expedite a process that usually takes four to six months within 30 days.

“Officer Tibor’s outstanding service to the town of Framingham is truly valued by the community,” Rep. Sannicandro said. “I’m working with House and Senate leaders to fast track this bill to allow Officer Tibor to continue to serve. Tibor is just too good an officer for the town to lose.”

 “The Framingham community recognizes Officer Tibor long standing service to the town and stand unanimously behind this bill,” Rep. Walsh said. “We are committed to passing this bill before the deadline.”

Town Meeting supported the petition for Tibor last month.

Massachusetts law requires police officers to retire, once they turn 65. However, an officer may seek exemption from this law, through legislative means. A similar exemption was granted to the Chelmsford Fire Chief in July.

Tibor turns 65 this month, making his last eligible day to work as Dec. 31, which places the bill under considerable time constraint. 

Following Tuesday's hearing the bill must successfully pass through the Committee on Public Service, the Committee on Steering and Policy, and the Committee on Third Reading, before moving on to the Senate and placed before the Governor.

House bill 3792 petitions the state to allow Tibor’s to work until until Dec. 30, 2015.

Sannicandro and Walsh said they are passionate about Tibor’s case and plan to collaborate extensively with the successive committee chairs, House leadership, and their Senate counterpart, to ensure that the bill is passed before the end of the year