Board Overrides Civil Service

Ignoring the report of Civil Service on the contention that service as a call fireman has no bearing on police seniority, the Board of Selectmen last night voted to instruct General Manager Francis W. Smith to appoint William E. Lydon, second on the list, as a permanent patrolman.

The Selectmen had received from the General Manager a Civil Service list of eligibles for appointment as permanent patrolmen in Norwood. At the head of this list was James F. Lyden whom Civil Service credited with seniority dating back to 1939, while the Selectmen had not appointed him a permanent intermittent patrolman until 1945.

Notified of the discrepancy, Civil Service quoted the provisions of Chapter 31 and maintained that Lydon was entitled to top seniority because he had been a call fireman since 1939. Smith informed the Selectmen last night that he was unable to follow the Civil Service reasoning in this case and the Board concurred.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)

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