Civil service commission considers whether to reinstate fired Fargo police officer

(Fargo, ND) -- A civil service appeal hearing is underway in the case of a former Fargo Police officer who wants his position at the department reinstated.

"Officer Nachatilo's PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder, is going to be a significant part of this hearing.  It's not everything, it's not the majority of the hearing, but it's a factor," said Leo Wilking, the attorney representing former officer Justin Nachatilo.  

The 19-year veteran was recently fired for alleged dereliction of duty.  In an opening statement Tuesday, Wilking acknowledged Nachatilo made mistakes on the job, but said none justified being fired.  After listening to testimony from both sides, the civil service commission voted to resume the hearing Friday afternoon at 3:00. 

"Suffice it to say that Chief Zibolski found the conduct of Officer Nachatilo that led to the two complaints egregious. The conduct was egregious and Officer Nachatilo's response to that conduct was both unsettling and unacceptable," said Fargo City Attorney Nancy Morris.