BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut fire captain who allegedly stole more than $15,000 from an organization for minority firefighters has been arrested and placed on leave.

The Hartford Courant reports 43-year-old Darrien Penix, of Bridgeport, was charged Monday with second degree larceny.

The charges stem from an investigation that accuses the former president of the Firebird Society of Bridgeport Connecticut of using the group's credit and debit cards to purchase personal items, including car repairs and vacations.

The newspaper reports that in text messages with the group's vice president Joseph Kirkland, Penix acknowledged taking the money.

The Connecticut Post reports Penix paid back everything but $600 after he was notified of the investigation.

Fire Chief Richard Thode says he will remain on paid leave while the department's financial crimes unit continues the investigation.