Nassau police arrested a New York City Fire Department paramedic from Great Neck on charges he had sex with a teenage girl younger than 17.
Joel Pierce pleaded not guilty Monday to third-degree rape and engaging in a criminal sex act. He also was charged with child endangerment.
A judge set his bail at $25,000, which he posted shortly after his court appearance.
Pierce, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Vigilant Fire Company of Great Neck, was represented by an attorney from Legal Aid. The agency has a policy of not commenting on pending cases.
Nassau County police declined to describe details, citing concerns about identifying the victim of a sex crime.
An FDNY spokesman says the 14-year veteran has been suspended without pay.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.