Firefighter charged with pocketing donations

MANCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) -- A Waterbury firefighter is behind bars after he was accused of pocketing money that was intended to help police dog units.

Mark Moran, 41, owns the Finest and the Bravest, a first responders supplies store, but police say he behaved lowly and cowardly.

"It is disturbing," said Manchester Police Captain Christopher Davis.

Moran is accused of pocketing donations from the non-profit, Connecticut Vest A Dog. The money was supposed be for protective gear for police dogs.

"They're on the front lines with the officer and they're put into very dangerous situations," Davis said.

The Sports and Medical Science Academy Magnet School in Hartford raised more than $1,000 for the Hartford K-9 force after the children were inspired by the dogs.

"Only to have their hopes and wishes thrown away by not delivering on the promises given to them," Davis says.

Then, Davis says a breeder cut Moran a check for about $800. So, officials believe in total, Moran took about $2,000.

Officers caught up with him in Waterbury on Tuesday. He was charged with third larceny and released on a $25,000 bond.

News 8 went to Moran's home, but no one answered the door. Then, we headed to his store, which ironically sells police gear, but the door was locked.

Davis says it's a relief Moran felt the cuffs.

"At least it gives a little bit of closure as far as the investigation and now we'll see how it goes with the adjudication portion of it," he said.

Moran is scheduled to face a judge on September 25.