STATEHOUSE (March 22, 2016) – State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) authored legislation to increase the hiring age for veterans applying to be public safety officers, which was signed into law by the governor.
Before the passage of House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1359, the maximum hiring age for firefighters and police officers was 36 years old in Indiana. Veterans and military personnel are able to retire or discharge after they serve 20 years. Should an individual join the armed forces at the lowest age possible, 18 years old, they would be able to retire at 38 years old, which would have been too old to apply to be a public safety officer.
“Veterans are some of the most qualified individuals for public safety jobs,” Morris said. “This law raises the maximum hiring age to 40 and a half years old, allowing military personnel to continue serving and protecting our community after they have retired from the armed services.”
HEA 1359 allows veterans to apply to become police officers and firefighters after they finish their careers in the military. This law still requires veterans to pass certain requirements, such as a physical agility test and an aptitude test, in order to be eligible for the position.
Morris said he is proud that the Indiana General Assembly has recognized a glitch in our hiring system and enacted a law that benefits the men and women who have risked their lives for the safety of our country.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information about this law.
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Rep. Morris (R-Fort Wayne) represents portions of Allen County.
