Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) Warden Anissa De La Cruz recently hosted the first CDCR/CAL FIRE conservation camp recruitment event for the incarcerated population.
Puerta la Cruz Conservation Camp #14, located in Warner Springs, offered information to incarcerated individuals in the Facility A dining hall.
Over 150 incarcerated individuals in the reception center were ready and eager to sign up for this firefighter training opportunity. After release, many conservation camp participants are able to find employment in hand crews, fire departments, or with parks and recreation divisions.
CALFIRE Capt. Darren Janata, CDCR Camp Commander Lt. Michael Bennett, and Camp Officer A. Mannix provided in depth information those who expressed interest.
Chief Deputy Warden Cynthia Rojas and Facility A Correctional Capt. Frankie Manzo also attended the special event. Facility A Correctional Counselor II R. Pulido also answered questions regarding classification requirements.
The recruitment event was a great opportunity to share the career opportunities provided by CAL FIRE and CDCR as a firefighter.
Learning about opportunities through camp program
Capt. Janata provided specific information on weather conditions, job skills training, entry level requirements, and pay. He also spoke about the most asked question: the meals provided at camp. Lt. Bennett was very knowledgeable about the camps and explained the additional jobs available while housed at the conservation camp. Beyond firefighters, other camp jobs include janitorial, maintenance, culinary, and landscaping positions.
In hosting CCWF’s first camp recruitment event, Bennett shared how on Mother’s Day, staff brought homemade lasagna for their hardworking camp participants.
“We appreciate the hard work and dedication. I believe in this program,” Bennett explained. “I also believe you should go home to your families.”
Attendees expressed excitement and appreciated being able to attend.
True Virchis, who is 22, expressed interest in the program because of the physical activity.
“The reason I am interested in becoming a firefighter is because I am athletic,” Virchis said. “I will be really good at it. I have the energy, am motivated, and I really want it.”
At the end of the presentation, Officer Mannix said the camp program exemplifies everything the state is trying to accomplish through reforms.
“There is nothing more California Model than the California conservation camp program,” the officer said.
The mission of the conservation camps is to train and develop crews to support local, state, and federal agencies as they respond to emergencies, fires, and floods. Camp participants also provide community service and conservation projects all year round.
Capacity at Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp is 120 incarcerated individuals. The camp currently has 36 in the program so staff is seeking to fill vacancies with those who express interest. The camp has the capacity to have five crews with 16 to 18 people on each crew.
Story by Lt. M. D. Williams
Photos by Lt. M. D. Wiliams and CCWF staff
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