SHERMAN, TX -- A Sherman firefighter arrested on drug possession charges back in march lost an appeal to get his job back. Zack Cornell went before a civil service commission Wednesday morning claiming his indefinite suspension from the Sherman Fire Department did not fit the crime. Officials deliberated for four hours before deciding not to let Cornell return his position as a firefighter for the city of Sherman

Cornell was arrested back on March 13, 2008 for possession of meth in a school zone, while in uniform. He was suspended from the fire department, then terminated when he failed to take a drug test on April 11th.

Sherman city attorney Doreen McGookey spoke during the opening statements.

I want you to ask yourself one question. Do you want to put someone back on the fire department who refuses to take a drug test who's been arrested for drug possession while in fire department uniform? said McGookey.

Cornell’s attorney, Keith Brown then asked responded to her statement.

It is within the nature of government to protect his rights, and we are going to have to protect them, said Brown.

Wednesday's appeal was Cornell's first. Wayne Blackwell with the civil service commission says Wednesday's rulling is final and that no other appeals can be made.