The Ventura Training Center celebrated 15 formerly incarcerated firefighters and 17 California Conservation Corps members as they officially completed enhanced firefighter training.
On Dec. 19, families, friends, staff, and firefighters celebrated with the 32 individuals earning their Level One Firefighter certifications.
The graduation was attended by CDCR, CAL FIRE, California Conservation Corps (CCC) executives, and organizers with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.
Division of Adult Parole Operations Director Brian Bishop spoke during the graduation.
“I want to acknowledge something plainly, not everyone standing here came from the same path. Some of you are here through CDCR on parole working through reentry in a very intentional way. Some of you are here through CCC and are not on parole,” said Director Bishop. “Different backgrounds, same standards, same expectations, same graduation. That is important because what you have proven is that you belong in rooms where excellence is required.”
What is the Ventura Training Center?
The Ventura Training Center was established in October 2018 by CDCR, CAL FIRE, and CCC in partnership with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. The Ventura center offers advanced training to parolees who participated at fire camps or institutional firehouses. Portions of the advanced firefighter training program are also open to CCC members.
Holding two graduations a year, this is the thirteenth class to graduate since the program was created. In total, the certification takes 18 months to complete. Training includes classes, wildland fire suppression, pump operations, hose lays, and vehicle/structure fire scenarios.
“What you learned here is not just a technical skill, it’s what it means to belong to something even bigger than yourself, but more importantly to be accountable to the people beside you, so today take pride in what you’ve accomplished,” said J.P. Patton, California Conservation Corps director.
Since 2018, approximately 210 paroled people have completed training at the center. More than half of those graduates are now employed full-time with state, local, and federal firefighting agencies.
When positions open again in March for the 2026 fire season, these graduates will be among the most qualified applicants.
Training and trust
“I would work next to any one of my fellow cadets any day and I know I can trust them with my life on any call thrown our way,” said graduate Troy Beatty. “Thank you all for motivating me to be the best I could be and to keep pushing when there was no end in sight. I can’t wait to see what all of you achieve in your career with the fire service.”
Additionally, AB 2147 allows former non-violent incarcerated people who participated in a CDCR conservation camp crew to have their records expunged.
This removes barriers, such as the ability to achieve their EMT certification, so they can seek jobs as firefighters in the community.
More information about AB2147 can be found on the Expedited Expungement for Former Fire Crew Members webpage.
More information about the program can be found on the Ventura Training Center website.
Story by Ashton Harris, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Learn more about firefighters and CDCR/CAL FIRE camps.
Firefighters and Camps
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.…
Remembering the LA fires: One year later
One year ago, a CDCR firefighting staff strike team was assembled to assist with the Palisades fire near Los Angeles…
From Training to Fireline: LA County fires one year later
Three Ventura Training Center (VTC) cadets who graduated from the program in December reflect on their time battling the deadly…