Prince Harry Makes a Surprise Pre-Christmas Outing to Meet Former Inmates Who Became California Firefighters
- - Prince Harry Makes a Surprise Pre-Christmas Outing to Meet Former Inmates Who Became California Firefighters
Meredith KileDecember 24, 2025 at 1:11 AM
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antirecidivismcoalition/Instagram
Prince Harry meets California firefighters -
Prince Harry met with California firefighters who were previously incarcerated ahead of Christmas
The Duke of Sussex visited the Ventura Training Center of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, an organization aimed at "ending mass incarceration in California"
As of January 2025, nearly 30% of California's wildfire force was made up of prisoners
Prince Harry visited with a special group of firefighters in Camarillo, California, ahead of Christmas.
This week, the Duke of Sussex, 41, spent time at the Ventura Training Center of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, an organization aimed at "ending mass incarceration in California" and helping former inmates build a better life once they are released.
During his visit, Harry met with a group of formerly-incarcerated men and women who now serve as firefighters, helping battle California's devastating wildfires. The organization shared photos of the prince shaking hands and sharing stories with the brave members of CAL FIRE and the California Conservation Corps.
"Service has the power to transform lives," they captioned a slideshow of Instagram pics. "This week at the Ventura Training Center, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, spent time with formerly incarcerated firefighters — men who protected our communities during wildfire season and are now continuing that service through long-term careers in fire service."
antirecidivismcoalition/Instagram
Prince Harry meets California firefighters
"Alongside this work, they are also doing the deep work of healing, supported by the Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s wraparound services, life-skills training and reentry support," the post continued."Thank you, Prince Harry, for taking the time to meet with our men and hear their stories. Their pride, leadership and commitment are a testament to what’s possible when opportunity meets purpose."
As of January 2025, nearly 30% of California's wildfire force was made up of prisoners, according to Forbes. They use hand tools and chainsaws to clear trees from the fires' paths, with the goal of starving the blaze of its fuel.
Inmate firefighters make just $0.16 to $0.74 an hour, or a maximum day rate of $5.80 to $10.24. They also receive a daily food budget of $4 per day. Upon their release, however, some are able to pursue full-time careers as firefighters and first responders, a goal that the Anti-Recidivism Coalition is helping many work toward.
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antirecidivismcoalition/Instagram
Prince Harry meets California firefighters
Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, live in Montecito, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. In January 2025, when wildfires ravaged the L.A. area, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave back, handing out food and supplies, meeting with firefighters and opening their home to friends who had to evacuate.
Months later, during his remarks at the Living Legends of Aviation ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Prince Harry paid tribute to the first responders who battled the fires.
"There are moments in life that reveal a great deal about who we are — not just as individuals, but as a people. Moments that test our courage, compassion and our commitment to one another. And time and again, what I’ve seen — what the world sees — is that first responders rise to that challenge every single time, yet we rarely get the chance to thank them," he said.
Paying special recognition to the aerial crews who flew above the fires dropping water and flame retardant in a mission to save residents and their homes, Prince Harry recalled, "This past January, when fires swept through over 50 square miles of Los Angeles County — threatening homes, businesses, communities — we saw that spirit in action. We saw courage. We saw commitment. And we saw an extraordinary group of men and women take to the skies, also risking their lives to protect people they would never meet."
"This community doesn’t ask for attention or recognition. They don’t ask for praise. But tonight we’re gonna give it to them regardless because in my experience, it’s the people who don’t expect it or ask for it, that need and appreciate it the most," he concluded.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
