Inmates, Family Celebrate Graduation from Rehabilitation Program

It was an emotional day for inmates and their families at the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center (GHRC) Thursday, March 6th, as Glen Helen 1 (GH1) and Glen Helen 2 (GH2) graduated from the Inmate Fire Crew Program (IFCP). GH1 and GH2 were the first two groups to graduate from IFCP, a new rehabilitation program ran in the Educational Complex of the GHREC that inmates and their families say, was long overdue. The program was organized through a joint effort of the San Bernardino County Sheriffs, San Bernardino Fire Department, and the inmate participants, to train the prisoners to respond to fire emergencies in the County of San Bernardino. GH1 has already responded to various wildfires, floods and a commercial fires, where they helped with cleanup operations to allow full-time firefighters to be ready for the next call. The program was described as "a big step" to many, as they face the challenges of reintegrating, as prisoners, back into society once their sentence is served. The new skills and training also guarantees the inmate participants a job after they are released. "GH1 and GH2, your reputation precedes you!" Fire Chief Mark Hartwig of the San Bernardino County Fire Department sharing some stories of the successes of the programs. Families and friends cheered and shed tears of joy as graduates from GH1 and GH2 were welcomed onto the stage area. Sheriffs John McMahon of the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department shared how proud and honored he was to be standing in the presence of GH1 and GH2. "They changed their own lives, and are changing the lives of others, they are changing the community they live in and the lives of the inmates who will follow in their steps." "They learn many more skills than fire fighting. They are out there sand bagging, performing the clean up operations, chipping; they learn first aid and receive confined spaces training," Chief Hartwig explained. The graduates were then recognized one by one. Graduate Juan Garcia's son, Victor Garcia shared, "If there were more programs like this one, less people would be in jails, [more people would be] focusing on doing good in the community." Graduate Juan Garcia shared the hope, excitement and pride he felt after graduating. "We will actually have jobs waiting for us when we come out. That is important for our rehabilitation. This program is a landmark, because it is effective. Many of the rehabilitation programs in the facility do not work, so people relapse and and fall back into the system. What we needed was this opportunity to show everyone, we are not useless. Look at us now, we are fire ready!" Sheriff Cochran with the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department explained, "This program is different in that we are breaking down barriers, between the sheriffs, the inmates and the firefighters. We work as a team. It is not, 'Us against Them' anymore." He added that the department is working on more programs that allow for more family contact, which he says is an essential part of rehabilitation. Anthony Webb commented on the teamwork between the fire men, the sheriffs, and the inmates, "We get along better in the rehabilitation center than in the facility. We have to have each other's back, I need to trust that if I were to fall down, the guy next to me is going to pick me up." "This is the type of program that inmates need. This program is allowing them to showcase their abilities, it's not a typical program where people are locked up, to do nothing, almost like a death sentence," Dalene Robinson, who came to support Graduate Michael Brewster, shared. Casey Brewster, added "It's important that inmates have a chance to do amazing things, and to have mentors." She looked at her children and their dad playing catch, "When my children see their dad in this light, and not behind bars, it affects them in a way you can't imagine. This is rehabilitation in its finest hour." [END] Inmate Fire Crew Program Graduation On Thursday, March 6, 2014 @ 2:00 p.m. At The Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center Educational Complex, 18000 Institution Road, San Bernardino, California 92415 Inmate Fire Crews Ready to Respond Mar 6 – Today San Bernardino County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig and Sheriff John McMahon announced the graduation of the second County Inmate Fire Crew, also known as Glen Helen 2. In July 2013 Chief Mark Hartwig stated, “We hope this hand crew is the first of many more to come and plan to continue expansion of the program.” That expansion took just six short months, with two additional academies to begin in the near future. The 13 member inmate fire crew began their training in January; with a curriculum consisting of 5 weeks of initial training in wildland fire suppression techniques, along with the basic Incident Command System, first-aid, CPR, confined space awareness, chainsaw operations, and small engine and facility repair. “Educating offenders while incarcerated is a step closer to reducing recidivism.” stated Sheriff John McMahon. “Our goal is to turn their lives around and send them back into mainstream society rehabilitated, educated and ready for employment.” The fire crew’s main objective is to respond to fire suppression incidents, as well as other types of emergency operations such as sandbagging. The crew also assist with local fuels reduction programs and chipping operations; assisting other county departments in meeting their mission in a cost effective manner. This program couldn’t have come at a better time, with San Bernardino County facing an elevated fire season this year. “With the inmate realignment, many of the inmates used on fire crews by the State are now at local jails, placing the responsibility and opportunity to provide fire crew services at a local government level.” stated Fire Chief Mark Hartwig. “With fire season being year round and the amount of fuels reduction projects, the need for more fire crews in our County is more prevalent than ever. Fire Crews have proven to be an invaluable resource in more ways than one.” Since inception last July, the Glen Helen 1 fire crew has responded to several calls for service. In addition to assisting on wildland fires, the Fire Crew has responded to several urban fires, including a recent commercial fire at a recycling plant in Fontana where they conducted overhaul and mop up operations, relieving firefighters and medic engines to return back to service. During this past rain storm, Glen Helen 1 responded to Pinon Hills where a levee had broken, threatening several homes. The Crew quickly went into action filling sandbags and diverting water away from the homes. To be considered for the crew, the inmate must be a low-level offender (no criminal history of violence, sexual or serious violations); must have 15-18 months sentence left to serve; no documented gang affiliation; no prior discipline; and must not be a flight risk. Crew members will not be electronically monitored due to the remote areas they may be working in, as well as the gear the inmate must wear; however inmates will remain under constant supervision. “Firefighters train extensively and make countless preparations to be ready for a wildfire. Residents need to do the same. Successfully preparing for a wildfire requires residents to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves, their family, and their property.” stated Chief Hartwig. “The Inmate Fire Crew Program is yet another tool in our arsenal of firefighting resources.” San Bernardino County Fire and County Sheriff are committed to protecting the communities we serve with safety first. Residents are encouraged to be prepared for a wildland fire and know what to do when asked to evacuate. The READY! SET! GO! Program provides important preparation information. READY! SET! GO! is about helping residents understand how their home’s location, surrounding vegetation, construction elements, and other factors place their property and them at risk during a wildfire. More importantly, it teaches them what they can do to reduce that risk – get READY! It also instructs them on the importance of having an evacuation and survival plan – get SET! Finally, it emphasizes the need to GO! and go early, before the fire arrives to ensure the safety of themselves and their family. The goal of this program is to educate and engage residents in reducing the risk in their communities, which will help save lives and property. To learn more, visit http://www.sbcfire.org/fire_prevention_advice.aspx. Photos of today’s event can be found at www.sbcfire.org under latest news.