Speedo-wearing police officer reinstated

PROVO, Utah, June 21 (UPI) -- A Utah police officer who was fired after attending a high school party in a skimpy Speedo bathing suit will be reinstated, officials ruled.

The Provo Civil Service Commission said Wednesday it has decided to reverse the May 10 firing of Provo police school resource officer Cody Harris, who was let go after showing up to a "Princess and the Frog" themed birthday party at Provo High School in a green Speedo May 2, the Provo Daily Herald reported Thursday.

The commission said it determined there was no evidence Harris had made inappropriate statements during the party and there were no sexual overtones in the resource officer picking up school secretary Diana Phillips and carrying her around the room while dressed in his bathing suit.

Phillips agreed there was no sexual harassment involved in the incident, the commission said.

Provo Sgt. Brandon Post said the department stands by its decision to fire Harris, but officials will abide by the commission's ruling and welcome him back to their ranks. He said Harris will be reassigned to a patrol division. The school district asked that he not return as a school resource officer.