PEARLAND, Texas -- A firefighter who appeared in the 2008 Houston Firefighter Calendar was arrested in Pearland, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.

Luis Bernal, 35, was charged with public intoxication and simple assault, both Class C misdemeanors.

Police said Bernal had a heated argument with his wife, which led to the arrest.

"(Bernal) exhibited signs of intoxication, so the officer was going to place him under arrest for public intoxication," said Sgt. Roy Castillo with the Pearland Police Department.

Bernal, who works out of a southeast Houston fire station, was later accused of making retaliation threats, which is a third-degree felony.

"During the booking procedure at the jail, that's when Mr. Bernal made some statements that were threatening and retaliatory to the officer," Castillo said.

If he's convicted, the felony could cost Bernal his job.

He was released on bond.

During the investigation, Bernal has been reassigned to a position not involving the public.

He appeared in the calendar as Mr. September. The calendar benefits the Houston Firefighters Burned and Crippled Children's Fund.

The city of Houston will conduct its own investigation to determine Bernal's future, officials said.