John Legend visited the Eaton fire incident command post to thank CDCR staff and incarcerated fire crews for their efforts.
The award-winning recording artist said he was grateful for the hard work and dedication, saving lives and homes.
“I really can’t tell you enough how much we appreciate you all,” Legend told the crew from Washington Ridge Conservation Camp 44. Their camp is located near Nevada City in Northern California.
Watch the video (story continues below):
The crew said it made them feel seen.
“You know, for a lot of us, we’ve done jobs that are just regular jobs,” said one of the crew members. “To do this and see how proud people are of us is very inspiring.”
Legend reiterated how vital their services are during catastrophes such as these.
“I think everybody in the state, everybody in the country, realizes how important you are, especially now,” he told them. “We’re grateful for your service and we’re rooting for you. We’re going to work to make sure you get taken care of.”
Crew members then sang a few lines from Legend’s signature song, “All of Me.”
Legend also sang for the fire crews at the incident command post, ending with a round of applause.
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Videos by Pedro Calderón Michel, Deputy Press Secretary
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Learn more about firefighters and CDCR/CAL FIRE camps.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Firefighters and Camps
Puerta La Cruz camp honors 10 graduates
Ten female fire crew members recently graduated the Forestry Fire Training program at the Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp, hosted…
From camp program to CAL FIRE employee
Troy Senegal has gone from being incarcerated in the camp program to being a CAL FIRE employee. Intervention in Senegal’s…
Conservation camp crews making a difference
During this fire season, incarcerated individuals who volunteer for the Conservation (Fire) Camp Program are making a difference in communities…
Incarcerated fire crews battle the Gifford Fire
California’s Gifford Fire is the largest wildfire of 2025. It has burned more than 122,000 acres and brought thousands of…
Camp holds first firefighter training graduation
Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp 14 in Warner Springs became the first camp to successfully graduate a firefighter training program.…
Pine Grove YCC: 80 years of rehabilitation
Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp (YCC) is celebrating 80 years of rehabilitation. Founded in 1945, the camp has continued serving…