Worcester residents who thought their shot at joining the police force had expired at 32 just got a second chance. Gov. Maura Healey has signed a home rule petition that lifts the maximum age for an original appointment as a Worcester police officer from 32 to 39. The new law makes anyone who takes the department’s entrance exam before their 40th birthday eligible for certification, while keeping an extra three year accommodation in place for candidates with military service.
According to a City of Worcester press release, the measure, filed as House bill H.3929, was unanimously approved by the Worcester City Council in November 2024 and then shepherded through Beacon Hill by Senator Michael O. Moore and Representative James J. O’Day. City Manager Eric D. Batista said the change would “have a profound impact on the Worcester Police Department’s ability to recruit more officers” at a time when retirements, long term disability and military deployments have been stretching staffing thin…