A Bridgeport fire captain has been arrested, accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the department's minority organization.
The vice president of the organization, called the Firebirds, went to police last month to report the organization's former president, Captain Darrien Penix, had stolen $15,230.18 from the group using the Firebirds' checking account and debit card.
According to police, the complainant told them Penix used the debit card and a credit card on personal expenses ranging from car repairs to trips for himself.
The complainant told officers that Penix texted him that he "f***ed up royally," and wanted to know how much he owed back to the organization, police said. He also asked if charges were being pressed so that he could know how much his bond would be, according to police.
Penix was arrested on Monday on second-degree larceny charges.
"We are disappointed to hear of these allegations and will take any further appropriate actions if these charges are found to be true," Bridgeport Fire Chief Richard Thode said.
Penix has been placed on administrative leave with pay during the investigation.
