Kim Kardashian Advocates for Higher Wages for Incarcerated Firefighters
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Los Angeles, Jan 13 (NationPress) Reality TV personality Kim Kardashian has called for a substantial increase in the wages of incarcerated firefighters, who currently earn a mere $1 per hour while bravely combating the wildfires in Los Angeles.
In a heartfelt message on her Instagram Story, she stated: “I have spent the last week witnessing the devastation in my city. I have spoken to many firefighters who tirelessly work through the night, giving everything they have to protect our community.”
She expressed gratitude to @calfire, LA County Fire, and Los Angeles City Fire for their efforts to safeguard lives and property. “Among the five fires raging in Los Angeles, hundreds of incarcerated firefighters are risking their lives to assist us.”
“They are involved in battling the Palisades fire, Eaton fire, and Pasadena fire, working around the clock. They receive nearly nothing in compensation, face life-threatening situations, and some have even lost their lives, all to demonstrate to the community that they are now first responders. I regard them as heroes.”
“The compensation for these incarcerated firefighters has stagnated at $1/hour since 1984, failing to adjust for inflation or increased risks as wildfires have intensified, leading to fatalities among firefighters. Although there was a proposal this year to raise their wages to $5/hour, it was rejected at the last moment.”
The star of 'The Kardashians' urged California Governor Gavin Newsom to take action and enhance the pay for incarcerated firefighters, as reported by femalefirst.co.uk.
She emphasized, “I am calling on @cagovernor to do what no Governor has accomplished in four decades and raise the wages of incarcerated firefighters to a level that respects their sacrifices in protecting our lives and homes.”
Kim also extended her gratitude to “firefighters from the @calfire Ventura Training Center for their heroic efforts in saving my community as it faced flames this week.”
She noted, “These are all FORMERLY incarcerated firefighters who have returned home and wish to continue serving our communities as firefighters.”
“Thanks to legislation passed by the @antirecidivismcoalition, these individuals can now have their sentences reduced and felonies expunged from their records for their service in firefighting. Upon their return, they can secure six-figure salaries with fire departments.”
It is estimated that at least 900 inmates are currently engaged in fire suppression efforts, which have scorched over 37,000 acres and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation informed the New York Times that they are “working to create fire lines and eliminate fuel to slow the spread of the fire.”
