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Tag: Incarcerated

  • Travis Barker Pays a Visit to Incarcerated Firefighters amid L.A. Fires


    Travis Barker is showing his appreciation to those on the front lines fighting the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

    On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Blink-182 drummer, 49, took to his Instagram Stories to share a series of images of himself at the Rose Bowl Complex in Pasadena, Calif., meeting up with incarcerated firefighters, National Guard members, Anti-Recidivism Coalition representatives and other first responders.

    The first image, a repost from film producer and criminal justice reformer Scott Budnick, showed Barker donning a black-and-white zip-up hoodie and graphic T-shirt while sitting at a large wooden table outdoors surrounded by members of the Growlersburg Fire Crew, a division of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) that employs incarcerated individuals as firefighters.

    Travis Barker’s Instagram Stories.

    CLEMENTE RUIZ/@Clemente_310


    “@travisbarker you are a real one! Thank you for stopping by and showing love as soon as they got off the fire! #growlersberg33,” Budnick captioned the aforementioned image.

    In the next shot, Barker can be seen posing for a black-and-white snap with CDCR Lieutenant Hill, with the musician writing, “Thank you for having me … So much respect for you and what you do.”

    In the following image, Barker appears alongside a group of National Guard members, throwing up a piece sign and captioning the image, “So much love to our National Guard for all their hard work.”

    In his final story post, Barker shared a fisheye image of himself with members of the Growlersburg Fire Crew, alongside a passionate message advocating for the work the unit does with incarcerated individuals.

    Travis Barker and Lieutenant Hill.

    CLEMENTE RUIZ/@Clemente_310


    “These guys are heroes,” he wrote. “They are risking their lives to serve people. Save people. Help people. And becoming men in the process. So much love and respect to @calfire and @scottbudnick1 I love the awareness that the anti recidivism coalition is bringing to the incarcerated guys working these fires. A lot of them came from the juvenile system and this program gives them the ability for real change and to make a difference. To see the humanity in all of them was amazing.”

    As of Jan. 10, the CDCR has enlisted over 800 inmates who volunteered to help fight the California wildfires, according to ABC News.

    In a statement shared with PEOPLE, CDCR secretary Jeff Macomber highlighted, “Wildfires are a constant and formidable challenge for California, and CDCR conservation fire camps remain dedicated to supporting the state’s response. The work of our incarcerated firefighters and staff is an essential part of this effort, and their commitment to protecting lives and property during these emergencies cannot be overstated.”

    Travis Barker’s Instagram Stories.

    CLEMENTE RUIZ/@Clemente_310


    According to the CDCR, inmates are paid a daily wage between $5.80 and $10.24, plus an additional $1 per hour when they respond to active fire or fire-related emergencies. Furthermore, crews could work up to a 24-hour shift during emergencies, but are compensated during rest periods.

    Barker isn’t the only celebrity who has called attention to the work that incarcerated firefighters are doing amid the ongoing wildfires.

    The drummer’s sister-in-law, Kim Kardashian, has been outspoken about her belief that incarcerated firefighters deserve higher pay, calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to “do what no Governor has done in 4 decades and raise the incarcerated firefighter pay to a rate [that] honors a human being risking their life to save our lives and homes,” per the Los Angeles Times.





    Amidst the devastating wildfires raging through Los Angeles, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker took time out of his busy schedule to pay a visit to incarcerated firefighters who are helping to combat the flames.

    Barker, a longtime supporter of first responders and a resident of the Los Angeles area, wanted to show his appreciation for the brave men and women who are risking their lives to protect the community.

    In a touching gesture, Barker spent time talking to the incarcerated firefighters, listening to their stories, and expressing his gratitude for their efforts. He also brought along some much-needed supplies and snacks to lift their spirits during this challenging time.

    In a statement, Barker said, “I am so grateful for the incredible work that these firefighters are doing to keep us safe. They are true heroes, and I wanted to show my support and let them know that their sacrifices do not go unnoticed.”

    Barker’s visit was a heartwarming reminder of the power of community and solidarity in times of crisis. His gesture of kindness and appreciation will surely not be forgotten by the incarcerated firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect their fellow Angelenos.

    As the wildfires continue to rage on, it is heartening to see individuals like Travis Barker stepping up to support those on the front lines. Their bravery and selflessness serve as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

    Tags:

    1. Travis Barker
    2. Los Angeles fires
    3. Incarcerated firefighters
    4. Celebrity visit
    5. Support for first responders
    6. L.A. wildfires
    7. Prison outreach
    8. Community involvement
    9. Firefighter solidarity
    10. Travis Barker news

    #Travis #Barker #Pays #Visit #Incarcerated #Firefighters #L.A #Fires

  • How incarcerated firefighters are helping battle the blazes around Los Angeles


    Stephanie Sy:

    More than 1,000 of the firefighters that have been battling the Southern California wildfires are convicts, part of a long-running state program. Training and deployment onto the fire lines is voluntary, with inmate firefighters making a maximum of about $10 a day or up to $30 if they work a 24-hour shift.

    They may also qualify to get two days shaved off their sentence for every day they work. The state has become reliant on these men and women during the increasingly long fire season, and the program is estimated to save California tens of millions of dollars a year.

    Supporters say the program offers a pathway out of prison, but critics say the work and pay are exploitative.

    For more, I’m joined by Sam Lewis, executive director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.

    Sam, thank you so much for joining the “News Hour.”

    I understand that you have personally visited these firefighters at their base camps in L.A. very recently. Tell me, how is their morale? Are they pumped that they’re able to help in this crisis?



    Incarcerated Firefighters: Unsung Heroes in the Battle Against Los Angeles Blazes

    As wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area, a group of unsung heroes are on the front lines battling the flames – incarcerated firefighters. Despite being behind bars, these individuals are risking their lives to help protect communities and save lives.

    In California, the state’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation operates a unique program that trains and deploys incarcerated individuals to assist professional firefighters in responding to wildfires. These incarcerated firefighters undergo rigorous training and are equipped with the skills necessary to combat fires in challenging terrain.

    These individuals work long hours in dangerous conditions, often for little to no pay, but their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. They play a crucial role in containing and extinguishing wildfires, helping to save homes, businesses, and lives in the process.

    While some may question the ethics of using incarcerated individuals for firefighting duties, it is important to recognize the valuable contributions they make to public safety. These individuals are given the opportunity to gain valuable skills and work experience, which can help them transition back into society upon their release.

    As we continue to witness the devastating impact of wildfires in the Los Angeles area, let us not forget the sacrifices made by these incarcerated firefighters. They may be behind bars, but they are true heroes in the fight against the blazes that threaten our communities.

    Tags:

    1. Incarcerated firefighters
    2. Los Angeles wildfires
    3. Inmate firefighters
    4. California wildfires
    5. Prison firefighter program
    6. Wildfire emergency response
    7. Incarcerated firefighter assistance
    8. Los Angeles fire crews
    9. Inmate wildfire fighters
    10. California prison firefighting

    #incarcerated #firefighters #helping #battle #blazes #Los #Angeles

  • Incarcerated firefighters battling Southern California wildfires moved by outpouring support from the public


    PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) — Hundreds of the firefighters working tirelessly on the fire lines to protect lives and property in Southern California are actually serving time in prison.

    As two historic wildfires raged in Southern California, Joseph McKinney and Sal Almanza were among the firefighters who rushed to help.

    “Physically, it’s pretty demanding. There’s a lot of hiking, and it’s in a rough terrain,” incarcerated firefighter Joseph McKinney said.

    “We often go where bulldozers and other vehicles cannot go,” Sal Almanza, who is serving a 4-year sentence at the minimum-security Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp, said.

    The Visalia natives are two of California’s more than 1,000 incarcerated firefighters responding to this emergency. They are part of a state program for incarcerated men and women.

    “I knew that the firefighting program was going to be the fastest avenue for me to get home to my son, so I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Firefighting has actually always been a passion of mine,” Almanza said.

    Most who are eligible and choose to join can qualify for sentence reductions. They can get up to two days off their sentences for every day on a fire crew. They earn up to roughly $10 a day, plus an extra dollar during emergencies.

    What to know about incarcerated firefighters working the L.A. area blazes

    McKinney says he’s worked as long as 24 hours.

    “It was a lot, but, you know, they keep the water coming. They keep food coming, and you know, you feed off the energy of the other guys,” McKinney said.

    “We’re all proud of you, and also, we’re going to try to fight to get y’all paid,” California State Assemblymember Isaac Bryan said.

    Bryan and other government officials met with some of the incarcerated firefighters at their base camp in Pasadena. The firefighters came from more than 30 camps across the state.

    Bryan just introduced legislation to increase their pay.

    “What AB 247 says is that if you are incarcerated, and you are actively fighting a wildfire, you are on the front line. You are on the fire line doing that lifesaving work. You should be compensated at the same rate as the lowest-paid person who is not incarcerated,” Bryan said.

    McKinney and Almanza have been moved by the outpouring of support from the public.

    “It just feels like sometimes you’re tucked away, you know, and no one gets to share. You don’t get to share those experiences with nobody. So when the community comes out and shows the love and the outpouring, it just really feels good; you know, it feels like someone cares and someone knows what you’re doing,” Almanza said.

    One of the organizations that has advocated with and for these firefighters is the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. They helped write a bill to expunge their records.

    The organization also helps run a firefighter training and reentry program that creates a pathway for a career upon release.

    “I have about two years left on my sentence. By the time that it’s over, I should be pretty dialed in and know what I’m doing, so I’m excited to pursue that,” McKinney said.

    Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.



    The brave men and women who are currently serving on the frontlines of the wildfires raging through Southern California are not your average firefighters. These individuals are incarcerated, fighting the blazes as part of the state’s inmate firefighter program.

    Despite their circumstances, these incarcerated firefighters have shown incredible courage and dedication in battling the flames and protecting communities. And now, they are being moved by the outpouring of support they have received from the public.

    From messages of gratitude and encouragement to donations of supplies, the public’s support has not gone unnoticed by these firefighters. Many of them have expressed their gratitude for the support, saying that it gives them the motivation to keep pushing through the grueling conditions they face on a daily basis.

    It’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still kindness and compassion in the world. These firefighters may be behind bars, but their efforts and sacrifices are not going unnoticed.

    As the wildfires continue to rage on, let’s continue to show our support for these incarcerated firefighters and all of the brave individuals fighting to protect our communities. Together, we can make a difference and help these heroes in their time of need.

    Tags:

    1. Incarcerated firefighters
    2. Southern California wildfires
    3. Outpouring support
    4. California inmate firefighters
    5. Prison fire crews
    6. Public support for incarcerated firefighters
    7. Wildfire battle in Southern California
    8. Prisoners fighting fires
    9. Inmate firefighter program
    10. Community support for incarcerated firefighters

    #Incarcerated #firefighters #battling #Southern #California #wildfires #moved #outpouring #support #public

  • Judge orders Trump to be sentenced in hush money case on Jan. 10, but says he won’t be incarcerated

    Judge orders Trump to be sentenced in hush money case on Jan. 10, but says he won’t be incarcerated


    The judge presiding over the hush money case against President-elect Donald Trump on Friday denied his bid to dismiss the case and said he’ll sentence him on Jan. 10, ten days before his inauguration as the 47th president.

    Judge Juan Merchan said Trump can appear in person or virtually for the sentencing, and that he won’t order Trump jailed.

    “While this Court as a matter of law must not make any determination on sentencing prior to giving the parties and Defendants opportunity to be heard, it seems proper at this juncture to make known the Court’s inclination to not impose any sentence of incarceration, a sentence authorized by the conviction but one the People concede they no longer view as a practicable recommendation,” the judge wrote in his ruling.

    He was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the case back in May.

    This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

    Dareh Gregorian

    Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.

    Tom Winter

    Tom Winter is a New York-based correspondent covering crime, courts, terrorism and financial fraud on the East Coast for the NBC News Investigative Unit.



    In a stunning turn of events, a judge has ordered former President Donald Trump to be sentenced in the hush money case on January 10th. However, in a surprising decision, the judge has stated that Trump will not be incarcerated as part of his sentence.

    The case revolves around payments made to two women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump, in order to keep them quiet during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has denied the affairs and any wrongdoing in the matter.

    Despite the judge’s decision to not incarcerate Trump, the sentencing could still have major implications for the former president. It remains to be seen what punishment will be handed down and how it will impact Trump’s political future.

    Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    • Trump hush money case
    • Judge orders sentencing for Trump
    • Trump hush money scandal
    • Jan. 10 sentencing for Trump
    • Trump hush money verdict
    • Trump avoids jail time in hush money case
    • Trump sentencing update
    • Judge rules on Trump hush money case
    • Trump legal troubles continue
    • Trump hush money investigation

    #Judge #orders #Trump #sentenced #hush #money #case #Jan #wont #incarcerated

  • Warren Sapp Turns Up For Student With Incarcerated Father on Christmas Before Colorado’s Alamo Bowl

    Warren Sapp Turns Up For Student With Incarcerated Father on Christmas Before Colorado’s Alamo Bowl


    The pipeline from menacing D-tackle to sweetheart coach is not one traversed very often. Warren Sapp, however, seems to be breaking down conventional wisdom just as he broke down quarterback protection. The Colorado Buffaloes’ graduate assistant has thwarted a lot of negative notions surrounding him since his retirement from the NFL. Sapp has dedicated himself to nurturing young adults into great athletes and, more importantly, great people. His Christmas Day activity with one particular player is a proponent of this.

    Warren Sapp fully embodied the Christmas spirit, as he seemingly spent the holiday with Buffs’ wide-receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. Horn had to deal with adversity from a young age. His father, who raised him as a single parent, is currently incarcerated on multiple drug-related charges. Without his parents to spend this special day with, Warren Sapp stepped up to the mantle for Jimmy.

    In a post shared on his Instagram, Sapp posed up with Jimmy Horn Jr in the early hours of Christmas Day. Horn is rocking Buffs gear in the picture ahead of their Alamo Bowl date against BYU. “Merry Christmasfrom @j5fleezy & Fatboy! #FloridaFinest #SkoBuffs#SappNotFishing #AlamoBowl” read the caption. As the hashtag would suggest, both are Sunshine State natives. Their bond perhaps stems from this shared geography. Just an overall awesome thing for the Colorado faithful and the wider football sphere to wake up to on this blessed day.

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    Although Sapp doesn’t coach Horn directly, just being in the proximity of greatness of that ilk tends to brush off. Jimmy Horn Jr., however, saw a downturn in his production this season. His senior year numbers are down across most receiving categories. This is not an indictment on Jimmy, though, and is mostly by design rather than a regression. Travis Hunter and other ancillary skill-position players have featured more prominently in Deion Sanders’ offense this season.

    Over in Warren Sapp’s department of expertise, things have only trended skywards. He’s garnered widespread props for solving Colorado’s issues at the line of scrimmage. Protection for their own quarterback and getting after the opposition’s quarterback were the Buffaloes’ Achilles heel last season. Warren Sapp has positively impacted either side of the trenches. This impact is reflected in the statistical metrics and the eye test alike. He’ll hope this continues into their last outing of the season down in San Antonio.

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    Warren Sapp and Jimmy Horn Jr. diverge paths after this weekend

    Angst over the Colorado Buffaloes’ failure to make the CFP is a fallacy. It breaks down under the slightest bit of context. Back in August, folks in Boulder would’ve snapped your hand off if you offered them bowl-eligibility. Falling short of standards that didn’t exist prior cannot be used to proverbially beat the team with a stick. Colorado’s efforts have secured them a tryst against an upbeat BYU in the Alamo Bowl. This will be the Buffs’ first Bowl game in 4 years.

    Begrudgingly, it’ll mark the last game for their superstar duo of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Meanwhile, another player donning the black and gold for one last time will be Jimmy Horn Jr. Similar to Warren Sapp spending time on Christmas with him in the absence of his parents, Coach Prime walked onto the field Jimmy on Senior Day as he bid farewell to the Buffs faithful.

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    A win in the bowl game will set a precedent for a retooled Colorado and give them momentum for 2025. With 5-star recruit Julian Lewis poised to fill their Shedeur-shaped void, the ceiling for the program remains sky-high. The culture that Deion Sanders has established and Warren Sapp is proliferating shall carry the program into this new era.



    Warren Sapp Turns Up For Student With Incarcerated Father on Christmas Before Colorado’s Alamo Bowl

    Former NFL star Warren Sapp showed his true generosity and compassion this Christmas by making a young fan’s holiday season one to remember. Sapp surprised a student named Jamie, whose father is currently incarcerated, with a special visit before the Colorado Buffaloes’ Alamo Bowl game.

    The heartwarming moment was captured on video and shared on social media, showing Sapp presenting Jamie with a personalized jersey and spending time with him, offering words of encouragement and support. The video quickly went viral, with many praising Sapp for his kindness and thoughtfulness.

    In a time when many are focused on their own festivities and celebrations, Sapp’s gesture serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back and spreading love and positivity to those in need. His act of kindness not only brightened Jamie’s Christmas but also touched the hearts of many others who witnessed the touching moment.

    This holiday season, let’s all take a page out of Warren Sapp’s book and look for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those who may be facing hardships or challenges. As Sapp has shown, a small act of kindness can go a long way in bringing joy and hope to those who need it most.

    Tags:

    Warren Sapp, student, incarcerated father, Christmas, Colorado, Alamo Bowl, generosity, kindness, heartwarming gesture.

    #Warren #Sapp #Turns #Student #Incarcerated #Father #Christmas #Colorados #Alamo #Bowl

  • Who Is Jimmy Horn Jr’s Incarcerated Father? Is He Still in Touch With Colorado’s WR?

    Who Is Jimmy Horn Jr’s Incarcerated Father? Is He Still in Touch With Colorado’s WR?


    Watching him streak across the field, leaving defenders in his wake, is like witnessing lightning in a bottle. Jimmy Horn Jr. is becoming a household name around Boulder, dazzling fans with his speed, grit, and playmaking ability. The Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver has had a mixed 2023 season, tallying 33 receptions for 434 yards and a lone touchdown in 10 games. Still, he’s unbelievably talented—Coach Sanders raves about him, calling him a “frickin’ warrior” and a “game-changer.”

    Jimmy Horn Jr.’s journey to the spotlight hasn’t been without challenges. His father, Jimmy Horn Sr., raised him as a single parent in Sanford, Florida. A former football player at Seminole High School and Bethune-Cookman University. Couldn’t make it to the NFL. Instead, he worked as a truck driver and barber. Horn Sr. instilled a love for the game in his son. But his life took a turn in 2021 when he was incarcerated on multiple drug-related charges. Although Jimmy Horn Jr.’s father won’t be able to cheer him on from the stands in the Alama Bowl, the senior wideout will still put on a show. Unfortunately, Horn Sr. is still incarcerated, leaving him unable to watch his son’s rise in person and without his most trusted coach in the stands.

    via Imago

    Despite the physical distance, the bond between father and son remains strong. Horn Jr. stays in touch with his father, drawing inspiration and support from their conversations. The USF Bulls transfer pulled back the curtain on his last conversation with his father before his sentencing. “I was able to talk to him,” Horn said. “That was my last time talking to him before — so you just got to go even harder, you feel me? And it just felt good to talk to him. That just pushes me even more. It’s a lot of adversity that go on through life.” That fire was evident in his performances this season.

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    Following in his father’s footsteps and playing football at Seminole High School, Jimmy Horn Jr. was a standout receiver and returner. He also excelled academically, earning a 3.8 GPA and graduating with honors. You can imagine with each catch; each yard he carries the weight of someone playing for more than just himself.

    And then there’s Deion Sanders, the Buffs head coach and Horn’s staunchest supporter. Sanders, who knows a thing or two about overcoming challenges, has been instrumental in keeping Horn focused amid off-field turmoil.

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    Coach Prime is more than a coach for Jimmy Horn Jr.

    Being the one of only two players on the roster to start and play in every game in 2023. He made an instant impact after transferring from the Bulls to the Buffs, with 6 TDs that season being his best. And Deion Sanders returned that favor. At Colorado, Jimmy Horn Jr. hasn’t just been making waves on the field—he’s found a mentor and father figure in Coach Deion Sanders. Their bond goes beyond football, with Sanders stepping in to guide Horn Jr. in both his game and his life. After Colorado’s stunning win over TCU in 2023, Jimmy Horn Sr. personally thanked Sanders for looking out for his son, underscoring the coach’s role as more than just a play-caller.

    But Sanders didn’t stop there. In a heartfelt show of support, he went to bat for Horn Jr.’s father, who has been incarcerated for many years. Sanders recorded a video for the judge overseeing Jimmy Horn Sr.’s court case, making a compassionate appeal.

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    “Your Honor,” Sanders said candidly, “I just want to let you know that I’m praying for Jimmy Horn Sr., who’s been incarcerated for a multitude of years. His son, Jimmy Horn Jr., left to go see his father and be there for whatever transpires. I just want you to know that I’ve talked to Jimmy Horn Sr. and, truly, he has served a multitude of years, he has repented for what has transpired, and he is truly a different man.” For every touchdown he scores and every defender he outruns, there’s a deeper narrative playing out—a son carrying his father’s legacy forward.



    Jimmy Horn Jr’s incarcerated father is James “Bo” Horn Sr. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms. Despite his incarceration, Jimmy Horn Jr and his father maintain a close relationship. They communicate regularly through letters and phone calls, and Jimmy often visits his father in prison.

    As for Colorado’s WR (wide receiver), it is unclear if there is any connection between him and Jimmy Horn Jr’s father. However, Jimmy Horn Jr has stated in interviews that his father’s incarceration has had a significant impact on his life and has motivated him to stay on the right path and pursue his dreams of playing professional football.

    Tags:

    1. Jimmy Horn Jr
    2. Incarcerated father
    3. Colorado WR
    4. Father’s incarceration
    5. Jimmy Horn Jr’s family
    6. Colorado inmate
    7. Father-son relationship
    8. Prison communication
    9. Jimmy Horn Jr’s father
    10. Colorado football player

    #Jimmy #Horn #Jrs #Incarcerated #Father #Touch #Colorados

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