Incarcerated men from Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp were recently honored by the California legislature for their firefighting efforts.
Camp staff accompanied the Pine Grove hand crews for a tour of the capitol where they met legislators and other officials.
The California State Senate put together a day in the Senate for the incarcerated fire crews at Pine Grove.
“Some of our incarcerated folks (toured) the capitol (and) the governor’s office (allowing them to) get an idea of how the mechanisms work here,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “(I’m) really proud of the work done by our folks down there fighting fires.”
Legislature thanks those who saved lives, homes
Seven Pine Grove fire crew members who battled the Los Angeles fires were presented with a resolution on the Senate floor as well as in the Assembly.
Correctional Officer Steven Herrera said the recognition was well earned.
“I happened to be on that fire with them,” Herrera explained. “I know the hard work they did (so) it’s very heartwarming to see (them being honored).”
One of the fire crew members said he was filled with pride when his name was called.
“It’s a really good feeling,” said Edgar D., one of the incarcerated crew members.
Speaking with elected officials and civil servants, Edgar said there was a consistent theme.
“If I want something, the only thing that’s going to stand in my way is me,” he said. “The big message I got from a lot of the guys who were able to speak with us today is, just (advocate) for yourself. That’s the best investment you could ever take in your life. I’m going to follow up with that advice.”
Scott Budnick, film producer and founder of the Anit-Recidivism Coalition, accompanied the crew on the tour.
“I think these fire camps are the best rehabilitative programs in the nation,” Budnick said. “This is what works and works especially for young people. (I mean,) for people 18 to 25 years old, (the camp program brings) structure, discipline, work skills, (and) leadership skills.”
When not responding to an active fire, crews can be found in the community working on other projects.
“It really is a successful program,” Macomber explained. “We see lower incident (and) violence rates and there’s a tremendous opportunity for this group to have a future beyond corrections.”
Video by Richard Tan, TV Specialist
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Capitol tour in photos
Learn more about the camp in this earlier video.
Some photos by Senate Rules Commitee. These photos cannot be used for political campaigns or propositions.
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
Watch: CMF Fire demonstrates new rescue tools
Thanks to grants and the hard work of staff, the California Medical Facility (CMF) Fire Department now has new tools…
Mexico prison staff tour Oak Glen Conservation Camp
Corrections staff from the Queretaro State Prison in Mexico toured Oak Glen Conservation Camp to learn about California’s fire camp…
Ventura Training Center visits CMC’s Camp Cuesta
Participants from the Ventura Training Center (VTC) hit the road to talk with incarcerated fire crews about the center’s resources.…
Educational center opens at Malibu Conservation Camp
It was a community celebration as a new children’s educational center recently opened at Malibu Conservation Camp. CDCR, in partnership…
WSP‑RC fire department holds staff training
The Wasco State Prison – Reception Center (WSP-RC) fire department held simulated staff fire training Jan. 12. This is part…
Meet support crews behind Vallecito camp
Behind efforts to help communities during disasters are crews working in support roles such as those at Vallecito Conservation Camp.…