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| Calif. Inmate Firefighter Honored for Saving Life |
| By Red Bluff Daily News |
| Published: 05/20/2003 |
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Inmate firefighter Charles Rooks was recognized by Paynes Creek (Calif.) Chief Dave Driscoll recently for performing his duty above and beyond what was called for when he saved the life of Capt. Dave Ordonis at an incident last year. Ordonis found himself on an insecure slope. As he told Rooks to leave the area because it was not safe, a small slide of loose shale and dirt began. Rooks braced himself to stop the captain's fall. Without Rooks, Ordonis would have fallen more than 200 feet to his death. 'He (Rooks) risked his own life to save Capt. Ordonis,' Driscoll said. Rooks said he would like to be able to get a job with CDF after his release. 'I never thought before of becoming a firefighter, but I want to work at a job that will help keep me from getting back in trouble on the streets,' Rooks said. 'Being on the fire crew has helped a lot with my rehabilitation. I'll just take one day at a time.' CDF has hired inmates who have been trained as firefighters after they are released from the penal system. While they are still part of the system, inmates get two days off their sentence for every day served by working in the camp fire program. They are graded on their performance in the system for eligibility for the program. 'This is an untapped work force that is available,' Hayes said. 'There are benefits to CDF, the citizens of California, and the inmates learn work ethics.' |
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