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California wildfire initiative supports formerly incarcerated individuals to become firefighters

July 19, 2024

California’s new firefighting workforce initiative

As reported by NPR, California has initiated a program to incorporate formerly incarcerated individuals into its firefighting workforce.

This initiative, part of the state’s alternative sentencing options, aims to transform lives while addressing the increasing demands of wildfire seasons.

Royal Ramey, co-founder and CEO of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), shared insights about the program in an interview with Juana Summers of All Things Considered.

The FFRP assists these individuals in finding employment and expanding their skills in firefighting.

Pathways and challenges

Ramey recounted his own journey from incarceration to firefighting, emphasizing the initial lack of awareness and subsequent passion for the profession.

He stated: “I didn’t really know, like, you know, what a wildland firefighter was.

“But once I got there, as time went on, I actually embraced it and I fell in love with it.”

Upon his release in 2014, Ramey faced numerous obstacles in pursuing his firefighting career.

He explained: “Honestly, it took about 11 months to figure it out.

“How I felt was, like, either I’m going to be a wildland firefighter, or I’m going to, you know, couch-surf or whatever at my mom’s house.”

Support from the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program

The FFRP plays a crucial role in helping formerly incarcerated individuals by offering certifications, job application assistance, tech literacy training, and expungement processes.

Ramey highlighted the organization’s efforts: “We help navigate multiple things.

“So we give you the certifications you need… and then we also help you with the job application process… We focus on the expungement process.”

Ramey also noted the positive impact of recent legislation on easing the employment process for these individuals, saying: “Honestly, it is [easier today]. I think that law helped.

“But I think also some of the firefighters understand that folks that come out of camp have great skills.”

Validation and addressing labor shortages

The career offers significant validation and a sense of contribution.

Ramey expressed: “When it gets flipped and say, ‘Wow, like, you’re a hero. Like, you’re actually contributing to folks in the community,’ that’s something that, if you never had in your life, it’s powerful.

“It’s inspiring. You feel so validated.”

Ramey emphasized the need for a diverse and well-supported workforce to tackle the increasing wildfire threat: “We need to expose folks to these jobs and these occupations… We need to educate people on all levels of what this climate crisis is, and then we need to embrace and then integrate.”

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