Gorraiz told The Republic the audit uncovered about $133,000 in checks written to John Holland, a Glendale fire captain and the chapter's president.

Holland, who has been a Glendale firefighter for more than 20 years, did not return requests for comment.

What the money was used for isn't clear, but dozens of checks ranging from $500 to $1,200 were written over two years, Gorraiz said. The rest of the missing money was cash or recorded withdrawals, apparently spent on items such as the Glendale fire chapter's website or campaign donations.

For months, the association has asked Holland for explanations about the expenditures but has not received any answers, Gorraiz said. The union board asked prosecutors to look into the matter.

Gorraiz emphasized that the union isn't clear about what happened to its money but said it needs to find out.