GREAT NECK, N.Y. — Police on Long Island have arrested a New York City Fire Department paramedic 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.

He was ordered held on $25,000 cash bail; it was not immediately clear if he was released.

Pierce, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter in Great Neck, on Long Island, 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.