Navy SEAL deemed ‘too old’ wins fight to join FDNY

ALBANY — The Navy SEAL rejected to become a city firefighter for being too old can now be hired by the FDNY, thanks to action taken by state lawmakers Thursday.

Special Operations Chief Shaun Donovan missed city employee age stipulations by six months and 25 days to join the FDNY in April.

The Post first reported on his plight, sparking outrage and support for his bid to become a firefighter.

In response, legislators passed a bill Thursday relaxing the city’s employee age requirements for military vets: once a candidate reaches age 29 and then joins the military, he has a seven-year window — formerly six — to join the FDNY.

“There’s a special place in my heart for the FDNY. When you have that as your motivation, you want to do right by those people,” said bill sponsor Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn).

“He wants to continue to give back, he already served our country and he wants to keep serving. Why should we ever tell someone now you can’t serve?”

The measure now goes to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk.

“If the governor signs this bill, everybody wins. Shaun gets to pursue his dream of joining the greatest fire department in the world, the FDNY gets a great firefighter candidate, and New Yorkers will be safer,” Kevin Carroll, Shaun Donovan’s lawyer, said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio was similarly pleased.

“If you’re a veteran who has served this country proudly, your age shouldn’t be a barrier to continue serving our fellow New Yorkers,” he said in a statement.