Inmates take pride in fire suppression

A prison work camp is no picnic, but it's not meant to be. The work is hard and the hours long: six 10-hour days per week.

Still, the 40 inmates clearing forest debris near Black Butte Ranch see the experience in a positive light.

"Believe it or not, I'm enjoying this," said inmate Mike Ratliff. "You've got to remember, I'm from the city; and I've never appreciated the woods."

Ratliff is a recovering heroin addict who admits he's been in and out of prison more than once on drug-related offenses.

But, at 43 years of age, he also says that he's had enough of his old ways.

Family is important to Ratliff.

"I'm at the point in my life where I don't want to be away from the people I love," he said. "I can honestly say that I haven't enjoyed my criminal lifestyle. Sure, it may have made me money and been thrilling or even fun; but, when it comes right down to it, it doesn't balance out.

"None of it gave me the thrill I get just from being with my son."

Ratliff is scheduled for release in February and wants to make the most of his remaining time.

He's interested in computer classes but says he couldn't get in because space is so limited. He jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the work camp.

"Don't get me wrong," he said, "this is hard work, but it gets everybody feeling positive about themselves.

I see myself doing something out here that's beneficial to other people. We're making a big difference in reducing the fire danger. I wish we could stay longer," he said.

He has one other wish, too.

"I'd sure like to see the 4th of July fireworks," he said.

When Ratliff is released, he says he'd like to get into some kind of community service work, like a half-way house, where he could help others get themselves straightened out.

"There are things we can do as a people," he said, "to stop some of this craziness."

The inmates and their supervisors come from different institutions all over the state.

Sergeant Jason Sandlin is one of the corrections officers who supervises the inmates.

"This is great for them and us," he said. "It gives us both a chance to get out of the institution."

People seem to deal with each other better out in the woods.

"There's a lot more respect out here between inmates and officers that you don't see inside," Sandlin said.

"This is work that we're doing together. There's a good camaraderie out here, and the crews like to try to outwork each other.

"At the end of the day, they can see the visible results of what they've accomplished," he said.

In just a few months, Brian Brinson's 12 -year sentence for manslaughter will be over. He says he earned an Associate Degree -- and a 3.8 GPA -- while in prison and has applied to Portland State University, where he hopes to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science.

Interested in social work, he blames the media for many of society's ills.

He agreed to be interviewed by The Nugget since, he said, "community newspapers do a better job because they're accountable to their local people."

Brinson is one of only about a dozen inmates who worked in the camp last year, and he's fresh from another stint at a similar camp near Tillamook.

He likes the weather better here.

He praised Central Oregon hospitality.

"I enjoy the opportunity to participate and help the local communities," he said. "This work needs to be done, and there's tangible results from doing this."

Scott McKee is a convicted burglar from Sweet Home, with about seven months to go on a four year sentence.

He worked in the woods before prison and is one of those qualified as a chainsaw operator.

McKee said he is an army veteran and was a mill foreman before losing his job.

He stated that, when he became homeless and couldn't find work, an acquaintance "turned him on to burglary."

The temptation was too great to resist.

"It was pretty easy," he said. "But I didn't take the time to step back and look at the moral issues or how it affects other people."

He's grateful for the opportunity to work in the woods again.

"For people who really want to change, this gives them a chance to develop a work ethic," he said.

"Some guys don't have any concept of this. A lot of this group are city kids."

When asked where he saw himself a year from now, he said, "Working and on the right track."

How about in 10 years?

"I want to be established as a normal citizen and put all this behind me," he said.

He plans to seek work in Portland as a carpenter or shipyard worker.

The Forest Service District Project Manager is Dave Moyer, who has worked with inmate crews before, and it's obvious that he has respect for them.

"These are people who are serving their time and are trying to decide what to do with the rest of their lives," Moyer said.

Inmate Brinson noted a real appreciation for the simplest pleasures of being outdoors.

"It's gratifying," he said, "just to be able to look up and see the stars. You don't realize what you have until it's been taken away from you."