Special Operations Chief Shaun Donovan, the decorated Navy SEAL rejected by the New York Fire Department for being too old, could be allowed to join the agency if the state legislature passes a bill that would increase the number of years a military member can add to their applications from 6 to 7, Staten Island Live reports.
New York City Council members passed a resolution Thursday asking the legislature to consider two separate bills in the Senate and Assembly. The legislative session ends June 19, but the bill is expected to go before the Assembly Committee on Government Employees on Friday.
Donovan's application was rejected earlier this year because he was 6 months and 25 days too old – candidates must not reach 29 by the start of the application period, but can add up to six years if serving in the U.S. military.
Donovan was 35 at the time. He is now 37.
"It was a letdown," he told the 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."
Donovan enlisted in the Navy in 2005, has served four tours in the Middle East, and is due to complete his military service in 2020.
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