San Bernardino County introduces first all-female inmate fire crew

San Bernardino County has it’s first female inmate hand crew, also known as Glen Helen Crew 15-9.

Sheriff John McMahon joined Deputy Fire Chief Jim Johnstone in announcing the 13 member group’s graduation Monday.

The all-woman inmate fire crew is ready to respond to wildfires throughout the county after undergoing academy training in July.

“I am very proud of the accomplishments made by each and every one of the women sitting before you this afternoon,” stated Sheriff John McMahon.

“Our goal is to assist them in turning their lives around and send them back into mainstream society rehabilitated, educated and ready for employment,” McMahon added.

The county already has 34 male inmates who are trained to fight wildfires.

The academy curriculum consisted of 8 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.

The crew’s main objective will be to remove fuels a fire could burn and chipping operations.

The crew also responds to fire suppression incidents, as well as other types of emergency operations such as sandbagging,” stated Deputy Fire Chief Jim Johnstone.

A major benefit will be saving taxpayers an estimated one-million dollars a year.

McMahon said inmates have to be low-level offenders to be considered for the crew, with no criminal history of violence, sexual or serious violations.

They must also have 15-18 months remaining on their jail sentence, no gang affiliations, no prior discipline, and must not be a flight risk.