HOUSTON – A former Houston Fire Department captain has been charged with possession of child pornography after authorities said they found nearly a dozen photos and videos of children engaging in sex acts.

Ryan William Steckler, 36, was booked into the Harris County Jail on Friday.

A cyber investigation revealed he had altered the videos and images in a computer program.

The children in the videos and photos ranged in ages from 1 to 12.

Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Pena said Steckler was relieved of duty and is currently under administrative investigation following his arrest.

Steckler has been employed with the Houston Fire Department for 14 years.

Neighbors said they saw several law enforcement officers outside Steckler’s home early Thursday morning.

"There were Harris County sheriff's deputies, a bunch of them on the scene, and so I looked out and noticed they were there but didn’t see much going on," Jeff Hunt said.

By Friday afternoon, neighbors said authorities were back again and Steckler had been arrested.

"I just hate that. That’s a shame, especially somebody in that position of responsibility like that with the public. It’s really tough to understand. No place for that whatsoever. I mean, if he’s guilty of what they charged him with, I hope he’s properly punished. That’s just not acceptable," Hunt said.

Steckler appeared in court early Saturday morning where he declined to hear what the warrants against him said. His total bond was set at $100,000.

He's due back in court on Tuesday.