Gov. Gavin Newsom has a measure in his hands that opens up options for those who have served their sentences
Ex-convicts will be able to become firefighters in California. Getty Images)
Photo: JUSTIN SULLIVAN / Getty images
As firefighters are overwhelmed fighting to extinguish the flames of the California fires, Governor Gavin Newsom has in his hands a measure that, if signed, will allow ex-convicts to become fire extinguishers.
In practice, hundreds of inmates in the final stages of their sentences, with no history of serious and violent crimes have the opportunity to train as firefighters in the camps of the California Department of Prisons (CDCR) and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ( Cal Fire).
Already trained, they work shoulder to shoulder alongside firefighters in containing fires in California. Armed with chainsaws and axes they cut the vegetation and prevent the flames from advancing.
Inmates trained to be firefighters have become the forces in the forefront to control and mitigate accidents, floods, rescues and searches.
However, when they leave the prisons, all that experience goes to waste because they do not have the opportunity to enter the ranks of the firefighters.
Assemblywoman Eloise Gómez Reyes’ measure AB 2147 will allow those who have been trained in fire camps when they were incarcerated, clear their record so they can be firefighters.
“AB 2147 is on the governor’s desk. If we really want change and lower recidivism rates, we have to make sure that those who have served their sentences have the opportunity for valuable work. Those who have served in firefighting deserve a second chance, ”Assemblywoman Eloise Reyes, author of the measure, shared on Twitter.
Although under current laws, exreos can clear their criminal record once they conclude their probation, when they apply for a state license, they must show their record and that is where they go.
Currently there are nearly 200 occupations that require a license from California government departments and agencies. As a consequence, those who are released from prison after serving their sentence are denied access to these jobs.
Under AB 2147, a person who has served on inmate fire fighting crews will be eligible to clear their record after custody; And if approved, you can pursue a career in any job that requires a state license.
“It is without a doubt a tremendous sacrifice to volunteer to fight these deadly fires and keep our families, homes, forests and wildlife safe while simultaneously reducing the impact of the damage to our economy,” said Assemblywoman Reyes.
He added that the many barriers historically imposed on individuals who were incarcerated inhibit their ability to find employment and obtain the education necessary to start a career and contribute to society.
About 2,500 inmates from volunteer training camps help fight fires across the state.
In 2017, 650 inmates helped put out the Pocket, Tubs and Atlas fires. In 2018, about 800 worked to combat the Camp Fire; And in 2019, more than 400 fought to the bone to put down the Kincade Fire.
The California Department of Prisons (CDCR) launched the Prevention Camp program to provide inmates with an opportunity to work on important projects throughout the state not only to help fight fires but to restore historic buildings, maintain to parks, flood protection, reforestation and clearing debris and fallen trees.
In the state there are 43 conservation camps for adult offenders and a camp for juvenile offenders in which 219 groups have been formed that fight to extinguish sinister accidents.
In a typical year, the Fields of Prevention Program provides three million person-hours in fire control and other emergencies, and seven million person-hours in community projects. This saves taxpayers $ 100 million a year.
Several counties, including Los Angeles, have their firefighter training academies for inmates of their jails.
