Bail for local firefighter Alan Bigelow, who late last month was arrested on charges of sexual assault, was reduced Friday during the defendant's formal arraignment in front of Judge Tina Brisebill.

The judge also set Bigelow's preliminary hearing for Aug. 22 at 10 a.m.

Brisebill dropped bail from $50,000 to $25,000 cash or bond, after hearing from stand-in defense attorney Jason Earnest, who argued Bigelow's strong ties to the community.

"Mr. Bigelow has been a member of this community for six years," he said. "You have a man who, I believe, is no flight risk."

In addition to serving with Pahrump Valley Fire Rescue, Bigelow volunteers at a local TV station and, in 2006, ran for a seat on the Nye County Commission.

Earnest, who in court asked that Bigelow be released on his own recognizance, later said he was pleased with the bail reduction.

"I think that was a very reasonable decision by Judge Brisebill," he said.

Earnest represented Bigelow in place of the defendant's attorney, Tom Pitaro.

About a dozen people, including Justice of the Peace candidate Linda DeMeo, County Commissioner Butch Borasky, and local activist Ray "The Flagman" Mallow, attended the hearing.

Bigelow was arrested July 31 after an unnamed woman contacted the sheriff's office, alleging Bigelow had sexually assaulted her.

According to the sheriff's office, the alleged victim had gone to Bigelow's home for a massage.

Detectives conducted a search of his home, during which "numerous items were discovered and taken as evidence."