A fired Vicksburg police officer may return to work, ruled Vicksburg Civil Service commissioners – who found that the city proved its case, but felt termination was excessive.

If the city appeals, the case would go to Warren County Circuit Court.

Kenneth Crawford, fired Jan. 17, was ordered in Friday’s ruling to serve a six-month suspension and pay back money owed the city for false work records he submitted.

Police officials said Crawford submitted pay requests for time for which he knew he should not be paid, abused the use of sick leave and refused to come to work on some days.

The commission ruled that disciplinary action was probably made &#8220in good faith and for good cause.” But the three-member panel also has the authority to modify decisions, and did so.

Police Chief Tommy Moffett said he made the decision to fire Crawford and disagreed with the modification.

&#8220It’s a matter of credibility and it’s a matter of honesty,” Moffett said Friday. &#8220We proved that he was dishonest, that he lacked credibility. He should’ve been terminated.”

Crawford’s case was heard May 11 by commissioners Janice Carstafhnur and Joe Graham. The commission’s other member, Clyde Harris, recused himself because he served as a training officer for Crawford.