During Fire Service Week, we spotlight an incarcerated firefighter turning her life around while making a difference at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF).
Priscilla Charris said the work is fulfilling because she knows she’s helping others.
“I am an incarcerated firefighter at CCWF (in Chowchilla) and I’ve been a firefighter for a year. What I love about this job, is everything,” she said. “I love the sisterhood (and) the guidance. (Also,) I love the thrill of going out and fighting fire.”
While her poor choices landed her in a state prison, she said she’s proud of the progress she’s made.
“I have so many reasons why (I love this job), but the most important reason is giving back to the community that I took from,” she explained. “I did my crime and I’m here paying a price for that.”
Watch the video (story continues below):
Charris said she’s taking this time to better herself and the world around her.
“I’m able to do something that’s worthwhile and has purpose,” she said. “You’re saving someone’s life. On someone’s worst day, you’re the greatest thing that happened to them. That feels good.”
The off-hours work, scrambling to get somewhere quickly, is all part of the job.
“Showing up for that, being woken up at 3 in the morning, it’s all worth it because you’re helping someone,” Charris said. “I feel like this opportunity here has redeemed me significantly because it has influenced my children.”
Now, she feels more like the role-model mom she’s supposed to be to her children.
“My son is going through a firefighter class right now and he is finishing up his first semester (emergency medical technician),” she said. “My daughter is also doing her registered nurse class, (and) has 12 weeks left to graduate.”
She’s trying to lead by example in a positive way.
“I feel like, despite my crime and bad choices, my children have turned their lives around for something better.”
CCWF firefighters:
Did you know?
The incarcerated firefighters at Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla offer some quick facts about the firehouse and the training required to work inside one.
Video, photos by Chris Medina, Director, TV communications specialist
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Learn more about firefighters and CDCR/CAL FIRE camps.
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