Gabilan camp learns about getting CAL FIRE job

March 21, 2025

From left are Fire Apparatus Engineer Isom Herbert, Lt. M. Nilsson, Forestry Technician Luis Perez, Firefighter Ruth Alvarenga, Firefighter Jamaca Bennett, and Fire Apparatus Engineer Troy Senegal.

Those serving sentences at Gabilan Conservation Camp 38 learned how to get a job with CAL FIRE when they are released.

Several CAL FIRE staff members put together a presentation Saturday, March 15, for the Gabilan Conservation Camp incarcerated population. The camp participants learned about going from being a wildland firefighter at camp to becoming a CAL FIRE employee.

Formerly incarcerated now working for CAL FIRE

Fire Apparatus Engineer Troy Senegal from the Santa Clara Unit (SCU), Fire Apparatus Engineer Isom Herbert from the Riverside Unit (RRU), Firefighter I Jamaca Bennett from the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit (TCU), along with Firefighter I Ruth Alvarenga and Forestry Technician Luis Perez from the San Benito-Monterey Unit (BEU) all have firsthand knowledge.

They each know the hard work, dedication, and determination it takes. Each of them successfully made the transition from incarceration to employment with CAL FIRE.

Each staff member touched on what lead to their incarceration and how they got themselves to a conservation camp. The discussion was meant to dispel rumors, provide insight into the application process, and overcoming obstacles to reach their goals. They discussed housing challenges or finding childcare so they could secure a future for their families through a firefighting career.

Back to their firefighting roots

This was not the first time Senegal, Herbert and Bennett have been in the Gabilan Camp dining hall together. In 2021, Bennett listened to Senegal and Herbert discuss working for CAL FIRE after their time at a conservation camp.

>> Read a 2023 story to learn how Senegal got into the fire service.

According to Bennett, their talk remained at the forefront of his mind through the remainder of his incarceration. Their words also helped see him through his application and hiring process.

When he reported for his first day of work at the Baseline Fire Center in TCU, he spotted Troy Senegal and the two have kept in contact since.

Submitted by Lt. Michael Nilsson, Camp Commander
Gabilan Conservation Camp 38