Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo said Thursday Kevin Brown did not need to die.

The chief testified for hours Thursday during the appeals hearing for fired APD Sergeant Michael Olsen. Acevedo fired Olsen after he fatally shot Brown last summer outside Chester's Nightclub in East Austin. Olsen is trying to get his job back.

In 2002, Olsen used excessive force against a man. He was later suspended for 60 days for using unnecessary force and for lying about it. Acevedo said Thursday, if he was chief back in 2002, he would've fired Olsen then.

"I would have indefinitely suspended Sgt. Olsen under that set of facts," said Acevedo. "He has a tendency to be a little quick instead of slowing down and actually putting together a plan and being safe sound and tactical."

Acevedo fired Olsen for using poor judgment in June of 2007.

Olsen said he feared Brown was reaching for a gun -- which Brown did have in his possession before ditching or dropping it during the chase.

Olsen shot him twice in the back.

"It's about a series of events and decisions on the part of Sgt. Olsen that led to the death of an individual that I strongly believe did not need to die," said Acevedo.

Acevedo believes Olsen is short tempered, emotional and unsafe.

"It's in his own best interest that he not be a police officer," said Acevedo.

Olsen's attorney questioned whether Olsen received proper training. He also said Olsen does not have a history of lying.

Acevedo said he was a well-trained sergeant who has made poor decisions throughout his career at APD.

Closing arguments in this appeals hearing begin Friday morning. The three-person Civil Service Commission is expected to rule sometime Friday on whether Olsen should get his job back.