Community Involvement, Rehabilitation

CCWF incarcerated firefighter warns of DUI dangers

An incarcerated female firefighter stands in front of a casket in a high school gymnasium.
An incarcerated firefighter removes her street clothes to reveal prison attire underneath as she shares her story with high school students.

Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) actively supports the Every 15 Minutes program organized by the California Highway Patrol. A firefighter housed at CCWF/Valley State Prison Fire Department was one of the guest speakers at the March 28 program.

Two local high schools attended, hearing the firefighter’s stories of hope, redemption, and the results of choices leading to incarceration.

Warden Anissa De La Cruz supports the program. Also attending were retired Chief Deputy Warden Velda Dobson Davis, Fire Captain Erik Sotello, Captain Frankie Manzo, and Lt. M.D. Williams. They provided escort and also participated in these two events.

The two-day program focuses on high school juniors and seniors, challenging them to think about drinking, driving, personal safety, responsibility of making mature decisions, and the impact their decisions can have on family, friends, and their community.

CCWF/Valley State Prison incarcerated firefighters are giving back to the community with this powerful program designed to create an awareness among students that they are not invincible and how important it is to stay safe.

“CCWF has historically supported the Every 15 Minutes program and participated in positive programs in our communities. Every 15 Minutes impacts the incarcerated person sharing their story and the students observing, as they focus on the consequences and decisions of driving under the influence,” said Warden De La Cruz stated. “This program is an excellent collaboration strengthening the bonds of community and saving lives.”

Submitted by Lt. M.D. Williams

See more community involvement stories.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Related content

Incarcerated hand crews do a four-mile hike in full gear during the Eel River fire preparedness exercise.

Eel River hosts 18th Redwood Coast Fire Preparedness Exercise

The 18th annual Redwood Coast Fire Preparedness Exercise was successfully conducted by CAL FIRE personnel assigned to Eel River Conservation…

Featured image for Transitions Reentry Program video story.

Watch: Transitions Reentry Program prepares students for future

Incarcerated people who are preparing for life on the outside have resources available, including the Transitions Reentry Program. The Division…

A speaker at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center showcase hosted by CALTRA, CDCR and The Last Mile coding program.

San Quentin hosts showcase for employers, community partners

In partnership with California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) and CDCR, The Last Mile (TLM) hosted a showcase event…

San Quentin Warden Chance Andes welcomes people to the grand opening ceremony of the new Media Center, April 15, 2026.

Watch: San Quentin Media Center celebrates grand opening

In mid-April, CDCR announced the opening of a state-of-the-art Media Center at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC). Joined by…

People at CCWF attend a college fair.

Watch: Finding hope through education at CCWF College Fair

More than a dozen schools recently held a College Fair at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) to promote education opportunities.…

California State Prison, Corcoran, hosted their third annual Cancer Walk with staff and the incarcerated population, shown walking around a prison yard togther.

CSP‑Corcoran staff, incarcerated walk to fight cancer

California State Prison (CSP) Corcoran hosted the third annual Cancer Walk with staff and the incarcerated raising a record-breaking $12,900…