Of these, more than 2,000 are inmates, according to estimates provided by regional fire centers, with most operating in California, home to the nation's largest inmate-firefighter program.
Camden's inmates-to-firefighters program isn't the only way former criminals are getting put to work in Georgia.
Camden County, Georgia is considering an "inmates-to-firefighters" program as one way to keep residents' fire insurance costs from more than doubling, according to The Florida Times-Union.
For the 15th year, engine companies and administrative divisions adopted a local family, treating them to a Christmas celebration they would not otherwise be able to afford, said firefighter and program director Chris Mays.
"This is generally due to a reduction in firefighting personnel available for responding to calls, a reduction in the number of responding fire apparatus, and gaps in the optimal deployment of apparatus or deficiencies in firefighter training programs," Mr. Waters said in a statement.
And there had never been a reason to include firefighters in the program because the city has no problem recruiting or retaining them, he added.
And there had never been a reason to include firefighters in the program, because the city has no problem retaining them, Santana added.
In 2008, following anecdotal reports of cops and firefighters entering the program and then going on lengthy injury leaves, the City Council approved a quick fix — requiring participants to be on active duty the day they enter the program.
Police and firefighters in the program from July 2008 to July 2017 were nearly twice as likely as those not in DROP to miss work for injuries, illness or paid leave, The Times found.
Randomized, prospective study of the impact of a sleep health program on firefighter injury and disability.
