DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A divided Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that Sioux City was within its rights to fire a longtime firefighter, reversing the order of a lower court to reinstate the firefighter. The Sioux City Journal reports the 5-2 decision stems from the firing of former Master Firefighter Larry Whitwer.

Whitwer pleaded guilty in 2012 to domestic abuse assault and signed a “last-chance agreement” that allowed him to keep his job unless he violated the law or a no-contact order. In 2013, Whitwer was fired after being arrested for violating the no-contact order.

A judge ruled in 2015 that Whitwer’s “last-chance agreement” was still subject to review and approval by the Civil Service Commission. On Friday, the state Supreme Court cited legal precedent in upholding the validity of last-chance agreements.