Recommendations

Full List of Recommendations

Fire Camps

1) Make certificates and training while incarcerated transferable through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) or Cal Fire.

2) Expand support for fire captains as critical mentors and bridges to forestry and fire career opportunities upon release.

Training, Certifications & Stigma

1) When possible, provide scholarships or paid stipends to support individuals with limited resources, including those who are justice-impacted, to access and fully engage in academic training and credential opportunities for forestry and fire positions.

2) Expand support for certificate training programs such as FFRP or Community College Wildland Fire Programs.

AB2147 Expungement 

1) Make expungement automatic for incarcerated firefighters to allow for EMT certification

2) Expand expungement through AB2147 to allow for expungement of prior offenses, not only one for which the person was serving their sentence at fire camp.

Workforce Development

1) Invest in rentry and workforce development programs and create pathways to reduce time from release to job placement with the aim of reduced recidivism. 

2) Create a welcoming culture, wraparound support, continuous coaching, and upscaling opportunities to support successful integration into the organization and encourage long-term career growth.