(Image source from: azfamily.com)

The longtime Arizona parks ranger fired suddenly from job last week will reportedly be offered her job back.

Less than a day after AZFamily reported on the questionable firing of Sue Hartin, who is battling eye cancer and is less than a year from retirement, state officials have reconsidered their decision.

AZ Parks and Trails director Sue Black drove to the west Valley Friday to meet with Hartin and discuss her situation. Hours later, Black reportedly sent an email to azcentral.com, confirming the decision to re-hire Hartin.

"This decision was made with the facts available at the time," Black wrote. "Since then, additional information has become available that is personal in nature. After further review, I have decided to offer reinstatement to Sue Hartin." Hartin said that she could not discuss any details of her case until Monday, but was thrilled at the thought of going back to work.

Ranger Sue said Thursday that she felt blindsided last week, when she was fired after 19-years of service, and less than a year from retirement and full benefits.

"I don't know if they've done anything wrong," said Hartin. "But they definitely broke my heart and that's going to stay with me forever."

Hartin was recently granted Family Medical Leave Act Job protection, but that didn't stop her termination. Phoenix Employment attorney Stephanie Leach said that Hartin could have a case against the state for wrongful termination.

"It definitely raises some red flags for me, "said Leach. "They have to establish that her potential class, her health, age and FMLA status had nothing to do with the decision to terminate her, and that's going to be their legitimate business justification."

Hartin is scheduled for surgery in August and takes care of her 89-year old mother.

She had wondered how she would pay for her medical bills, with her health insurance set to expire and not being able to receive a full pension.

Hartin said that she didn't believe her firing as justified, but is excited to go back to work doing what she loves.

By Lokesh