Interview with Steve Williams, Corrections Officer and Firefighter
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Steve Williams started working EMS and Fire in April of 1996, working for an ambulance company and as a volunteer firefighter, ground ambulance, air ambulance flight crew. In the fire arena he was always drawn to wildland firefighting, structure fire and rescue was challenging but, never felt at home like during wildland fire season.
Steve went to the academy for the California Department of Corrections in 2000. He was assigned to the High Desert State Prison in Susanville, California. High Desert State Prison is a high security mission prison. Steve promoted to sergeant in 2005, and transferred to the infamous Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City, California. He promoted again to lieutenant in 2011, and then demoted back to sergeant in 2013.
Steve tells me about many of his roles within corrections; he has served on joint task forces, worked with K9s, he has been an investigator, and a training sergeant. During his time with the department of corrections he has always remained active in the fire service as a volunteer and in paid positions.
During our discussion Steve and I talk about how we met, PTSD and the stigma surrounding it, and of course leadership. This is a fascinating conversation that allows the listener a glimpse into the world of corrections officers serving in maximum security prisons.
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