WASHINGTON -– A former Virginia volunteer paramedic has been sentenced to three years in prison for child sex offenses.

According to a news release from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Timothy Metrus Ward, 32, was sentenced on two counts of indecent liberties with a child by custodian.

Before imposing a sentence, the judge said rescue squads and firehouses are considered “safe havens.”  Ward was given an additional 14 years of suspended time. Upon his release, Ward will be placed on one year of supervised probation, followed by nine years of unsupervised probation.

Beginning in February 2015, Ward started a sexual relationship and sent explicit text messages to a 15-year-old volunteer.

Later that same year, while working as a lieutenant at the Hamilton Volunteer Rescue Squad, Ward sent multiple text messages to a 17-year-old volunteer proposing sexual acts.

According to the news release, Ward was a supervisor and mentor for all non-medically certified volunteers in stations, including minor volunteers.

Ward pleaded guilty to the offenses on Nov. 9, 2015.

Ward testified at his own sentencing hearing, saying: “I did something that I shouldn’t have done” and “I took advantage of my position.”

“I was fully aware of the victims’ ages,” Ward went on to say.

Ward will serve his prison sentence in the Virginia Department of Corrections and will be required to register as sex offender.