Participants from the Ventura Training Center (VTC) hit the road to talk with incarcerated fire crews about the center’s resources.
Monday’s destination was Camp Cuesta at the California Men’s Colony (CMC) in San Luis Obispo.
Approximately 10 representatives from CDCR, the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), CAL FIRE, and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition had open conversations with incarcerated firefighters.
“We are our own worst enemy and our own roadblock. You can choose to better yourself right now,” said CAL FIRE Chief Jeremy Brant. “VTC teaches you how to keep a job. It gives you life skills (and) forces structure, discipline, expectations, accountability.”
The presentation included a video showing what the Ventura Training Center offers. Speakers also explained the path incarcerated firefighters need to take and the process to get accepted to the center once on parole.
“The opportunity is there, be ready to come in, have a good attitude, that’s what it is all about,” said CAL FIRE Capt. Jaramy Guercio. “During your time you can really transform and turn yourself into someone that Cal Fire wants to work with.”
VTC participants share stories
Two Ventura Training Center participants spoke during the presentation.
Gary Figueroa was incarcerated for 10 years and spent seven months at the Bautista Conservation Camp.
“I cried when I got the call telling me I got into the program,” said Figueroa. “Because I knew this would turn my life around and firefighting is what I want to do.”
Jay Johnson was once incarcerated at Camp Cuesta and returned to speak to those he once served time with.
“VTC was a mirror for me. It showed me everything I needed to work on. It also showed me everything I didn’t even know I needed,” he said. “VTC put everything on my plate that I can use to be even better.”
Both men will graduate from VTC in December and be on a path to work for CAL FIRE by this time next year.
“I know that when I am out there in the field I will be able to save someone’s life, and that is my way of giving amends. I can’t undo the stuff I did in the past and the hurt that I caused but I can give back by saving someone’s life,” said Figueroa.
What is the Ventura Training Center?
The VTC 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.
In total, the certification takes 18 months to complete. Training includes classes, wildland fire suppression, pump operations, hose lays, and vehicle/structure fire scenarios.
Holding two graduations a year, 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.
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
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