Firefighters and Camps, Inside CDCR Video

Jelly Roll concert honors first responders

February 7, 2025

A Concert for All First Responders, featuring Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Jelly Roll, was organized to honor those who fought fires and protected Los Angeles.

In partnership with Live Nation, the concert was held Feb. 1 at Rose Bowl Stadium.

Nearly 16,000 emergency personnel joined over 184 incarcerated fire crew members from conservation camps across California.

This concert aimed to express gratitude to wildfire first responders and cover the costs associated with the event.

“Being recognized for the hard work we did is a good feeling,” said Officer Thomas Collins from Prado Conservation Camp.

In all, 35 CDCR staff members joined fire crews from several camps, including:

Pine Grove, Cuesta, Prado, Oak Glen, Bautista, Acton, Francisquito, Holton, and Julius Klein Conservation Camps.

The concert highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting those who serve in emergency response roles.

“We feel appreciated for everything we do,” said Elias Vera, an incarcerated fire crew member. “Just to be out here and be part of it, all the guys here are excited.”

Watch the video, story continues below:

Jelly Roll: ‘You are a hero’

“I want you to know you are here tonight because you are a hero or (a hero’s) loved one,” Jelly Roll said. “And I knew the moment I was watching this go down all the way in Tennessee in my house, I thought if I got a chance to go to California, I was going to play music to everyone who worked their (tails) off for the last two months trying to keep the rest of this place safe. Thank y’all for having me tonight. This is awesome.”

“The recognition feels good, you know, because not everyone recognizes the hard work we put in. It feels good to finally being recognized,” said incarcerated person Jamal Lewis.

Jelly Roll showcased an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Nate Smith, Lainey Wilson, Shinedown, Marshmello, and Public Enemy. Together, they performed a 30-song set-list for the audience.

The event, which was free to attendees, also featured a diverse crowd from various organizations such as the California Professional Fire Fighters, National Guard, California Conservation Corps, CDCR (incarcerated firefighters and staff), Angels National Forest, Ventura Training Center, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and police departments from Los Angeles, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and Arcadia, as well as FirstTix members and their families.

First Responders: Heroes making sacrifices everyday

Ray Martinez, a detective with the Los Angeles Police Department, expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who attended the concert.

“(Incarcerated crews) were out there just as much as everybody else, risking their lives,” Martinez said.

The night was memorable, underscoring the camaraderie and support within the community.

“We do spend a lot of time away from our families when we come and assist with these fires,” said Correctional Lt. Vanessa Melendez, Pine Grove Camp Commander. “Anything the audience should know is the sacrifices that a lot of the first responders made, that some of the sacrifices that the first responders made to even be here today.”

Video, photos, and story by Pedro Calderón Michel, Deputy Press Secretary
CDCR Office of Public and Employee Communications