From Incarceration to Firefighter
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- The U.S. has the largest prison population per capita in the world, and most formerly incarcerated people report that it’s nearly impossible to find a job after prison.
But in recent years, second chance employers, who advocate for hiring people with criminal records, have promoted formerly incarcerated people as a viable solution for the country’s labor shortage.
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Hello everyone,
I am one of the formerly incarcerated men that just graduated the ffrp cohort 3. This program and fire camp saved my life and changed my outcome. I was lost and abused drugs and was violent. Due to my actions I ended up in prison and these programs help me so much. I am sober and I’ll be fighting my first year as a free and professional fire fighter. I want to thank ffrp and everyone involved. I love you all and thank you for everything. God bless.
congrats... good luck with your future...and your present
Great job man, it's a hard job and you have my respect, not because you are a firefighter but because you changed your life and made the right decisions.
Good on you Steve, keep up the good work.
Hey great job man!! You turned a really bad situation around through hard work and dedicated yourself to helping others. 💪👏 I'm really proud of you brother
Damn good job
I was on a fire crew with Brandin, he’s one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever met. Glad to see him out and doing what he always wanted to do.
More places should implement programs like this one. How do we expect people to improve behaviors when (a lot of the times) we throw them right back to the cause.. A lot of people don't choose to be criminals, a lot of people end up criminals just trying to survive... giving former inmates an opportunity to work, and better the community while making a livable income is amazing.
Because its call for profit prison's. The incentive is to keep people in jail not keep them out.
@@CreativGaming I totally forgot American prison systems operate that way!
@@CreativGaming
Then why do these programs have FAR less recidivism among their graduates?
You don’t care about what works or not…you just care about the stigma attached to it.
Just because something COULD lead to being nefarious, doesn’t mean it automatically will.
That’s the low hanging fruit, and a horrible reason to suppress progress.
You know who’s most worried about a thief?
A thief.
Yup. America is driven by capitalism and the school to prison pipeline is the way in which they can continue to secure the bag. Sadly.
@@sendthis9480 you misunderstood his comment.
Stole a Pizza, equals 3 years?? If it is that simple, no gun, no aggression, no priors, then that is insane. Everyone needs a purpose.
😂😂😂 yeah that's a very serious crime man😂😂
I didn’t buy it
I would argue that everyone deserves a purpose even if they had guns / aggression / priors. Being a firefighter in CA is a dangerous job that most people won’t want to or be able to handle, or willing to risk their life for, and if they have the training and the skills and have served all their time, then I see no reason to not hire them for this job. If an inmate can do the work while serving time, then there shouldn’t be any reason why someone who is rehabilitated and fully served their time can’t do that job on the outside.
You kidding? In Cali? They don’t put real criminals on probation and you believe he just stole a pizza lol
he had multiple charges leading up to that. dont be so dull
I love this! I work at a women’s drug and alcohol treatment center and we have a lot of clients who have been to prison and many have felonies on their record. They’re so limited with what kinds of opportunities they have. I’ve had several clients over the years who would’ve been able to do the job of a firefighter easily. There is literally nothing here in southern Missouri for former inmates to be able to pull themselves up and get a good job. We need to change this everywhere.
The record and the subsequent failed background checks when trying to get a living wage has been so much worse than prison ever was…
@@jjcoola998 I can only imagine. I hate it for you. This needs to change.
I was a inmate firefighter at deadwood conservation camp. Only went to one campaign fire in paradise California. Very good job definitely a career to pursue💯💕
The Paradise fire was very difficult. My compliments to you sir.
Im not in the USA so no idea if that was recent but I'm wishing you all the best for the future dude. 💪
Hey man, I’m proud of you. I don’t know if anyone ever told you that, but I truly am.
@@1582len thank you sir I appreciate you 🥺
@@waled121 thank you man so much🥺💕
I was Hired during Incarceration, stepped up to Captain, Fire, Medical. 1st responder. 10 yr. sentence, 18 months train, passed test, Certified Firefighter 1, Left prison Hired by California Department of Forestry. Then Hired as Asst. Instructor to the Chief and Safety Coordinator. Federal Program, I got Lucky, Hard work, no matter what position,,,,,Changed my Life.....Today I do Outreach Aid to the needy, from first aid, to winter , summer, goods and Hygiene. Year 1989
Those fire camps are extremely good for the mental health of the prisoners. I've known several that came out of them and they came out pretty well rounded vs people like me who came out with PTSD
I worked with a gang intervention group called bridges in Boyle hts in 1999 with the Aztec fire crew. I was18 yrs old and It helped me turn into a man with the structure and commitment. This was the best thing to happen to me growing up as a young man with others with the same positive cause. I also have received two two letters of recognition for volunteering from the city of LA! I did two years with Aztecs and 1 year as a type 1 crew with Angeles National forest with crew 5.
for young people who probably never saw a future outside of the streets -> prison to begin with for themselves, real training for a real career is TRANSFORMATIVE.
thank you for sharing these stories!❤
Fire fighters are like police... Except they're always there to help you. And that's truly divine!
My Battalion Chief worked a old CYA (Ca) inmate crew in the early 80s when he was incarcerated from the age of 16 to 19 at the Youth Authority. He was released at 19 and became a forestry FF for 3 years and at 22 hired at our Fire Authority in Ca. He's now a Battalion Chief. He went to prison for theft and drug dealing, possesing a pistol as a minor. He's a hero to the people of the county we serve and our leader. BUT, Ca has a law if you are convicted of crimes as a minor and incarcerated, if you're released before your 25, you have your record expunged by state law. That helped him out alot at 22.
Wow it’s hard for these inmates to join departments after being on these crews ??? These guys are always on the front lines
CA should pass a law allowing all inmates who work emergency jobs while in prison to apply and work those jobs once they are out. Without that, it's indentured servitude for them to do a hard job that is very dangerous for 75 cents per hour only to be jobless after leaving prison and eventually end up back in prison.
It was 1$ an hour but idk about now since they let sex offenders go to fire camp now .
Inmates who leave the program are eligible for employment with fire departments and can petition to get their criminal records expunged. I believe in 2020 the governor even signed an exception to allow them to be able to get their EMT licenses which they previously could not with a record.
You have a criminal record, can't find a job. Can't find a job, you go back jail. Repeat.
Keep it up Vice! Con crews are some of the best to work with and work harder than most Cal Fire crews while on the line
Man I took that test with 60lbs on my back 43 min- my legs killed the next day. Passed both written and physical and still didn't get picked. Good luck peeps. RIP Dad former inmate Wildland crew
The fact that we get free documentaries on RUclips by VICE News is truly a gift 👍 👍 👍
Imagine being in prison talking to inmates... "what you in for?" "I murdered 5 people" "How about you?" "I stole a Pizza"
Well done. People that you have never met and will never know are proud of you.
I've worked with con crews on certain incidents, but its kind of upsetting that a con crew gets more attention then the aready forgotten group of wildland firefighters.
I bet they don't complain about being forgotten on pay day. Anyone here for recognition doesn't belong here
This is what should be done, idle hands and all that. This would give anyone a sense of purpose let alone some outcasted ex-cons. Keep it up FFRP you're all making this world a better, safer, place.
This got my thinking, are there private firefighting companies in Cali that would hire these guys due to less red tape ?
Damn america why you be putting people in prison for 3 years just for a damn pizza. Your justice system needs some work.
This should be what jails look like. Unless someone is a pedophile, rapist, murderer or they like to cause public mayhem then rehabilitation should look like this, not like caged animals with no dignity
Yes this a big one. Please share this story
I must find out the recidivism of these individuals, Thanks for sharing VIcE.
Looks & sounds alot like the Tuskegee Airmen; a Vet I was fortunate to meet was a member of my Church [Rincon Congregational]. I've also met a 2nd gen. Buffalo Soldier last posted at Picacho Peak, AZ. And yeah, they're bigger than Life! Blessings.
this is great for them i know two personally who went to fire camp and did very hard work. They didn't get fire fighting jobs when they got out but got into the oil industry and got great jobs and really became the most dependable hardworking nicest people i've ever met.
I don't know why some ppl find it hard to realize a lot of ppl in prison are just ppl that were just trying to survive. Everyone isn't some deranged killer. I work with tons of ex-prisoners. I myself was once a criminal. Won't say everyone deserves a second chance especially sex offenders. But most ppl do.
I got sent to a Job Corps instead of prison in 1982. The fire & forestry program changed my life. My goal at the time was membership in a outlaw bike club. I went on to a college degree & career in natural resources. I applaud you, getting this topic much needed recognition. Thanx👍
Amazing story!! Thank you for sharing
3 years for stealing a pizza? thats abit steep
No one's gonna talk about how our man here served 3 years for a fucking pizza!
I've worked near these crews on the line and they are all non violent offenders who got caught up with some bullshit charges. Mostly drugs. Its fucked up that they're turned into slave labor and then they denied them employment for years!
This is a wonderful program giving people a second chance!
Wow....great video Vice
California still discriminates against convicts with higher profile cases. I got denied bc I have an assault with firearm charge. Finished parole early bc I was doing well in life but still can’t get a break
This is a big win
A lotta people dont realize that prisons arent just full of hardened criminals. It's a lot of really smart, talented individuals who made bad decisions or were in bad situations. Programs like this are a huge asset multiple facets of our communities.
Why the F did he get 3 years in prison for a pizza!!!! 3 years of his life behind bars for less then $20. Not to mention that they are literally using (practically) unpaid labour to fight fires! Just let these people get a fair wage for their work, prison or not.
The US is F ed up
Cause he could have been lying, as many (understandably) do about their past crimes.
@@Nbarbacc yeah like our system is fail s/ You forgot about Eric Brauder who spent 3 years for no apparent reason.
@@CreativGaming Surely criminals never lie.
he had multiple past charges leading up to that. dont be so dull
How do I join I’m interested, did before during the glass fire
Case by case, they need to be given a chance after they get out of prison. If I were incarcerated, I’d definitely want to train even for only $6 a day.
It’s $1 an hour if your out on the fire .
Let's go Cohort 4 ! Very professional and very effective
3 years in prison for a stolen pizza ? Isn't that a little too absurd?
Ya'll sound supportive of people getting second chances until you actually have to do it yourself.
The people that have to “do it themselves” don’t make the best decisions, obviously.
We’ll decide for them.
You’re welcome.
For those thinking this is a waste of money, it's actually cheaper for inmates to be in these kinds of programs and rehabilitation than them being in a cell several hours a day.
WTF. This dude stole a pizza because he was hungry and they give him 3 years in prison? thats how u know this world is fucked.
Let the inmates experience what it feels like to serve and become a contributing member to the community, the change will follow. Everyone deserves a mulligan ✌ ❤ 🌎
A program that makes you take on the role of a hero, until you actually believe you are a hero and eventually become a hero. They should make this a program in every community.
THREE YEARS in prison for a goddamn pizza??!?!???????
I’m just a lowly office manager right now, but I’ve always wanted to own a small business / company - I’ll make it a key priority to be a 2nd chance employer.
3 years for stolen pizza? Come on now. There has to be more to that. Anyway, I like these programs, reintegration into society with jobs and experience is crucial if we don't want people to make money illegally.
New Orleans needs to hire some of these people we have a great shortage fire fighters
That's rehabilitation and growth. Keep it up FFRP!!
3 years for stealing a pizza??
no way u got 3 years for stealing a pizza. def assault lol
Did he have extra cheese and a cash register on that Pizza ?
I love firefighter very much alot thank you for your service in public safety and government
Listen, there are some inmates who will never change and shouldn’t deserve a second chance. but many inmates do wanna change but society makes it very hard on them to do so. Nobody will hire a convict, people don’t wanna live near them, they don’t wanna talk to them. How can you expect them to reintegrate back into society if you don’t give them a chance the ones who want to that is
Wow I dreamt being a firefighter when I was younger…. Felonies did not allow me to pursue at the age of 12
I'm Happy This Is Changing People's Lives
Yo that's so Solid keep I up boys ✌️ Freedoms a Must ❤️💯 Migwech 🔥
3 YEARS FOR A PIZZA?!?
well you take and give back that's life...some only need a to be shown what choices they should make or could have made.
3 years for a pizza... Wow
Wait. America with the highest incarceration rate has a somewhat restorative justice process? Wow.
Awesome initiative and I am happy that these folxs were given a second. Well they fought for that second chance. Keep up the good fight folxs. 🙌🏽
The whole reason this is a story is because it’s so rare. The reason recidivism is so high here is when you get out you are barred from higher paying jobs in multiple ways, and usually the problems that for you into prison are worse by the time you get out.
A huge majority of jobs that pay well that don’t require extensive education have a background check requirement or other requirements that can be impossible to meet while doing your post-release obligations (seeing your parole officer every week during work hours etc.)
@@jjcoola998 I understand the nuisance of the system. I am currently doing research on the issue here but I want to look at the correlation that academics have on the issue. I also want to look at the effects the social determinants of health have on the issue as well.
Thank you for the insight provided
@@jjcoola998 they only use the inmate to benefit themselves that is why they don’t have many fire camps .
It's cheap Expendable labor and if you're good at your job they may keep you an extra year or two
dude got 3 years for stealing a pizza? DA doing the world right
Man when i was at fire camp back in 2016 and released beginning of 2018 was the best time!! And had a great experience i wish i could join a fire crew, and yes honestly they have us working 80% of the time and man can i have these guys numbers please!!
Three years jail time for stealing pizza !? PIZZA ? ?
3 years for a pizza BRUH
I work in a max and minimum security prison those that are at the min love working fire some very very few some take advantage of this and do dumb stuff but I’ve seen some of my max inmates go min and kick ass and love working fires and wanted to make a career out of it great stuff
Awesome
aw i love this thanks for something nice 😊
u get 3 years for stealing a pizza in america??
Only issue is many law enforcement agencies loose trust when former felons and criminals end up with easy badges. You can argue points but fact is they loose trust and most places remove things with comms or access to facilities without police presence. Those who worked it know what im referring to. It also makes that fd on local levels watched more closely.
I'm not against this program first and foremost, but in my short experience on a hand crew working with Cal fire captains and seeing inmates on fire. This just isnt true, everyone knows low level offenders get picked up on crews for good reason they get alot more freedom than a usual inmate. Also my captain's spoke often of old inmates they worked with getting into crews, however it's only the ones who are professional and show genuine interest, this is a hard job I learned that first hand, and honestly the inmate crews I saw didnt all seem ready to do this as a career.
I was with the California Conservation Corps on a Type 1, formally Type 2 hand crew.
Does CA not have specialty wildland crews?? I've known lots of guys who just do wildland firefighting every season and earn good livings. Structural firefighting and EMS have direct access to people's homes, private informayion, medications, etc so they don't allow criminal histories, but I see NO reason that these guys couldn't continue doing wildfire stuff for sure!! Wildland firefighters have to be super fit and tough as nails too, and as fires get worse every year we'll need tons more nationwide.
True super heros
a Win Win ... open doors to ex-con. Fire fighting in foresty area is dangerous..
Its a shame you have to get incarcerated to get this type of free training/pay
It takes a great deal of connections, resources, persuasion & coordination to come up with specialized programs. Sadly we lose some of the kids early on “to the legal system” and they won’t get the chance to explore possibilities via the normal way- colleges or trade schools, etc. For fire/medical, one can aim for colleges with special programs but one needs to stay on the path and not fall off the wagon…
The idea that tucking your shirt in makes you more professional is so stupid.
Dude stole a pizza and got 3 years.... seems fair
DID THIS GUY JUST SAY HE GOT 3 YEARS FOR STEALING A PIZZA WTF!!!!
Royal got 3 years for stealing a pizza!!!! Ffs that's not justice.
Wildland firefighting
Great
Important topic but I didn’t appreciate clickbait-y title. Most of the video was about something else.
Ur telling me my man went to jail for 3 years cuz he stole a pizza???
PCs only now..
High paying jobs? Lol
Holup this dude got 3 yrs for a stolen pizza?
This guy got 3 years for stealing a pizza? WHAT?!!
“Stole a pizza cuz I was hungry” Cmon my boy there’s gotta be a whole lot more 2 that story & I’m in the know bro I did camp time & CYA time, People don’t get 3 yrs for something like that
Could it have been because he is black?
There’s been black men that have gotten a whole lot worse for doing less.
@@MissKaitlyn1 oh ya that’s what it was duh what was I thinking 🤯
I just had a massive dump!
John Legend's voice is getting a little raspy. More needs to be done to fight fires.
Who knew giving people second chances could work ay ? Giving people access to stable, good paying jobs wasn't as bad as some politician put it to be.
Onelove 💜
missile at 1:53
Nice