LOS ANGELES — California lawmakers, advocates, and formerly incarcerated firefighters gathered Friday for the Firefighting to Freedom press conference, unveiling a seven-bill legislative package aimed at expanding opportunities and protections for incarcerated firefighters. The event, held at Stentorians Inc. in South Los Angeles, brought together assemblymembers, senators, fire officials, and advocacy groups who said the package is a vital step toward equity, justice, and recognition of the thousands of incarcerated people who risk their lives battling California wildfires each year.
Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (AD-57) said the measures reflect California’s broader commitment to restorative justice.
“Our firefighter to freedom bill package is an opportunity for all of us to come together,” Elhawary said. “We want to make sure that we invest in giving them a real chance because they are the heroes. All of our firefighters matter — so when our folks come home we want to make sure that they know they deserve a second chance.”…