MILFORD — Veterans looking to join the Milford Fire Department would gain a competitive advantage on entry exams under a proposal being considered by city officials.

Chief Louis LaVecchia wants all applicants who "honorably served" in the military to receive an extra five points on their firefighters test. Job candidates must score a 70 or higher on the exam to be considered for the roughly 110-member department.

The Board of Fire Commissioners is reviewing the proposal, which would likely go into effect at the start the 2006-07 fiscal year. LaVecchia was unavailable for comment Tuesday. Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said veterans returning from tours of duty overseas deserve to have an extra advantage on the exam.

"We should do anything we can to help our veterans who have sacrificed so much for us, especially the younger veterans who are coming home from wars in Afghanistan and Iraq," he said. "It's important to aid them and thank them for their service. I think it is totally appropriate."

Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman Philip Ucci said he is giving his full support to the proposal.

"I think it is a good idea," Ucci said. "Five points will help a lot of people as far as the test is concerned. If they lose on the test, they can make it up with the extra points. I am glad he is doing that."

While the state and federal governments commonly grant veterans such breaks on exams, municipalities and private businesses are less consistent, said Terry Brennan, the veterans workforce development director for the state Department of Labor.

A surge in patriotism, however, following the 9-11 terrorist attacks has persuaded many cities and towns to adopt the policy, he said.

"After 9-11, a lot of them started jumping on the band-wagon," Brennan said. "People started waving more flags."

Still, municipalities are under no obligation to give veterans advantages on exams, he said.

The Milford Police Department targets members of the armed forces as part of its regional recruiting drive, but does not give them special test breaks, Officer Vaughan Dumas, police spokesman, said. John Boland, the city's personnel director, said the practice of giving veterans extra points on tests typically occurs when patriotic sentiment is high, like during wartime. "The idea of it is to give someone credit for serving their country," said Boland, a veteran. "It has been a long-standing thing, especially in the federal government."

Greg Shulas, who covers Milford, can be reached at 878-2130.