NAPLES, Fl - When you see an emergency worker, you trust they have the training to back up their work and save your life.

WINK News discovers a firefighter in Collier County who was arrested and accused of lying about his credentials in order work as an EMT.

Brian Franklin was arrested during the weekend, months after he resigned his position after admitting he lied about his certification, but only after a routine audit uncovered the truth.

Franklin became a Marco Island fire fighter in September, 2006. As required by all new hires, he agreed to seek paramedic certification.

"When we hire an individual at the fire department, we require that within a 12 months or so period that they obtain their paramedic license," Lisa Douglas, a city spokesperson said.

In a sworn statement, Franklin says mounting pressure from his supervisors to become certified led him to fake his certification the following year.

Franklin said, "I lied about passing the test...to try to buy me some time to retake the test and pass."

"I think it's alarming any time a public servant isn't necessarily doing that word, public service," Douglas said.

Over the next few months, a routine audit led to an investigation by the state and the Marco Island Police Department.

Meanwhile, Franklin continued to work for as both a fire fighter and a paramedic.

"We have done a review of that and know that this employee never actually was doing hands-on paramedic work without a paramedic supervisor."

WINK News stopped by Franklin's house Tuesday, but no one was home. Our phone calls went unanswered.

But our investigation revealed Franlkin apologized for his actions in a sworn statement, saying, "I'm very very sorry for all I've done. This is not something I would do."

Franklin received a $5,000 per year raise after his certification claim. Officials say he returned that money when he resigned in December.

As for audits, when an employee receives or renews certification, supervisors audit the paperwork. That usually happens at least twice a year.