Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

SunSeeker

(58,263 posts)
25. That is why there is a waiting list to get on these fire crews.
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 05:26 PM
Jan 2025

The prisoners get their record expunged and potentially get a great firefighting job with excellent benefits, for the first time in their lives, when they get out. It essentially pulls them from poverty and lifts them--and their family--into the middle class when they get out.

But it is grueling dangerous work, and they are much more likely to get injured than regular firefighters. But then again, prison is dangerous too. Virtually all of these prisoners say they would rather be fighting fires than sitting in prison.

Recommendations

3 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Thanks for posting this. harumph Jan 2025 #1
The program is as I thought it would (should) be and is an incredible benefit to wildfire containment efforts... hlthe2b Jan 2025 #2
I think the answer to your question is: "Yes." Oopsie Daisy Jan 2025 #10
Yes. One of my far left/socialist friends sent around a meme Ms. Toad Jan 2025 #19
Very interesting. I saw a short documentary or news report years ago underpants Jan 2025 #3
I remember watching a PBS broadcast about this also. yonder Jan 2025 #24
From a practical and mental health standpoint, this is a good program. Irish_Dem Jan 2025 #4
This sounds like an excellent program.. whathehell Jan 2025 #5
Ditto!! usaf-vet Jan 2025 #11
I know someone who served on them in California Johnny2X2X Jan 2025 #6
Both my mom and dad worked in a New England prison system. They work in the one that was attached to a FARM. usaf-vet Jan 2025 #14
Sad commentary on our country MsLeopard Jan 2025 #17
I hope Matthew got less time than the child molester. Clouds Passing Jan 2025 #7
Excellent information. Thank you for posting. The hysteria and handwringing had gotten out of hand * Oopsie Daisy Jan 2025 #8
But the people who need to see it or hear the truth will not. Time for a primetime documentary on this. Jit423 Jan 2025 #27
Great information. marble falls Jan 2025 #9
This is what we need in all prisons LittleGirl Jan 2025 #12
Thank you for posting this. sheshe2 Jan 2025 #13
Have a BIL Rebl2 Jan 2025 #15
Thanks for posting JMCKUSICK Jan 2025 #16
GREAT stuff! calimary Jan 2025 #18
Thanks for posting. eom Exp Jan 2025 #20
As a long-term ex-federal offender, who worked in both paid prison industries and unpaid farm work NBachers Jan 2025 #21
Great post, thanks. Magoo48 Jan 2025 #22
Thanks. I had no idea about it. NT Nululu Jan 2025 #23
That is why there is a waiting list to get on these fire crews. SunSeeker Jan 2025 #25
This is a good program. Joinfortmill Jan 2025 #26
KnR Hekate Jan 2025 #28
Dennis! ReRe Jan 2025 #29
This post makes me very happy. soldierant Jan 2025 #30
$1 an hour for risking your life? Slavery fucking sucks. erodriguez Jan 2025 #31
The real payment is getting their conviction expunged and getting a good job when they get out. SunSeeker Jan 2025 #32
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»From Bluesky: "I am a for...»Reply #25