LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska inmate who likely saved a guard’s life while incarcerated will not have an opportunity to argue for his release.

The State Board of Pardons voted 3-0 on Thursday to deny a commutation hearing request by Ted Parsons, an ex-Air Force officer who’s now 71. He was sentenced to life in prison for the 1986 fatal shooting of his girlfriend, Jill Garlock.

Garlock had tried to break up with him before the shooting.

Parsons was in prison for five years before several other inmates trying to escape stabbed and set a guard on fire. Parsons removed his shirt and helped put out the flames with the help of another inmate.

Thursday marked the first time Parsons asked for a commutation hearing.