He?s usually in charge of putting out fires and saving lives, but now a fire captain is accused of stealing some antiques from a vacant Jersey City home.

Police say the boarded up house on Clinton Street had some hidden treasures that were too good for Fire Captain Thomas Verdon to resist. According to police, a neighbor saw the 25-year veteran of Engine 19 taking valuables out of the house. When the neighbor confronted Verdon, he claimed he was a contractor doing work at the home.

Verdon is accused of stealing stained glass windows and an antique china cabinet. He is charged with burglary and theft. An investigation is underway to see if a more serious charge of official misconduct will be filed. Meanwhile, Verdon is suspended without pay after pleading not guilty. If convicted on burglary and theft, he could face up to five years behind bars.