Michael Flaherty believes everybody deserves a second chance

is that the globe chose to use a headline that is based on what an unamed source says instead of Flaherty himself. Especially since the Boston Police has no say whether or not someone can take a test over again, only civil service can.

As for the age thing, I think it has to do with pension issues and health. If it werent for the unions, Im sure departments would love to give fitness tests for officers and firefighters.....then again, they would probably have to pay to train and hire new officers for all of those who would have to go!

It costs money to train these people, a ten year return (MAX) on your investment isnt that great. By 55 most police officers and fire fighters I see are heading towards the desk jobs and upper level jobs, at least in the area where I live. I realize that not all 22 year olds stick around for 40 years, but theres a good chance that they will. I dont care what sort of shape the officer is in at 55 things begin to come apart. Normally I agree that age discrimination is bad, but in cases where physical labor is a big part of the job, and where peoples safety is at risk Im ok with it if it means protecting the public the best way possible.