A former Bryan firefighter will soon learn his fate more than two years after his alleged crime.

Nick Pappas pleaded no contest to charges on online solicitation of a minor.

In a San Antonio court Monday, the punishment phase began, as three character witnesses took the stand, including Pappas' son, to talk about the veteran firefighter.

The son said his father was and still is his hero.

Tuesday, Pappas himself is expected to testify on his own behalf. He is asking the court for probation.

It was early November in 2005 that the battalion chief travelled to San Antonio following online chats with who he thought was a 13-year-old girl. It was, instead, an undercover officer, and Pappas was met by a vice unit.

Following his arrest, Pappas came to terms on his retirement from the Bryan Fire Department after 25 years of service.

A judge will decide Pappas' fate. Despite the probation request, he could service between two and ten years in prison, and could have to register as a sex offender.

A decision is expected late Tuesday.