Marco Defelice, James Pineo and Justin Ruggiero have filed appeals with the state Civil Service Commission after the city of Quincy hired police-officer candidates who were ranked lower than them on the Civil Service eligibility list, according to the state's Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

QUINCY – Three men are fighting the city of Quincy’s decision to bypass them in its hiring of new police officers earlier this year.



Marco Defelice, James Pineo and Justin Ruggiero have filed appeals with the state Civil Service Commission after the city hired candidates who were ranked lower than them on the Civil Service eligibility list, according to the state’s Executive Office of Administration and Finance.



In January, the city swore in 15 new officers and had plans to hire a 16th candidate once he returned from active military duty. The city made the appointments from a list of 41 interested candidates.



Among the new hires were Andrew Keenan, son of Police Chief Paul Keenan and nephew of Mayor Thomas Koch, Michael Dougan, son of police Capt. John Dougan, and Erin McFarland, daughter of City Councilor Michael McFarland.



Bypassed candidates had until last week to appeal. Defelice, Pineo and Ruggiero could not be reached Monday to explain why they filed appeals.



Civil Service communities, like Quincy, are required to consider candidates in order based on their exam scores and military experience. Quincy also has a residency preference, meaning candidates who live in the city are placed higher on the list.



The city can bypass candidates if they do not pass background, physical or psychological tests.



Christopher Walker, a spokesman for Mayor Koch, said he could not comment on the appeals.

Patrick Ronan may be reached at pronan@ledger.com.