For the second consecutive year, Powder River Correctional Facility (PRCF) organized a special outing for the adults in custody (AICs) to enjoy the local Fourth of July fireworks show. This event, coordinated by Officer Erickson and Lt. Brazofsky, ensured that AICs could view the fireworks in a safe and controlled environment.
The reactions from the AICs upon being notified was a mix of surprise, excitement, and a bit of confusion as they processed the opportunity. This year, six AICs were chosen to participate, accompanied by three Correctional Staff members: Lieutenant Brazofsky, Officer Lopez, and Officer Brinton.
Our partners at New Directions Northwest generously provided hotdogs, buns, chips, and soda for the activity. The group arrived at the designated location several hours before the fireworks show, allowing time to set up and relax. During this time, the AICs enjoyed socializing with each other and staff while taking in the scenic views of the valley and mountains. They also had the chance to barbecue hotdogs and watch smaller fireworks displays from the community.
This annual event is more than just a fireworks show; it’s an opportunity for AICs to experience a sense of normalcy, community, and celebration.
The positive responses and participation emphasize the importance of a supportive and rehabilitative environment.
Below are testimonials from the lucky adults in custody who got to attend this year’s event.
“I was very surprised and thankful to be picked for the Fourth of July firework show. It was nice to be recognized for my hard work and daily effort of staying out of trouble. It brought back a sense of feeling free. I also thought it was really nice being able to cook my hotdog on the grill. The officers that chaperoned us were very polite and positive throughout the night. It’s all about transitioning to the community as well as the community transitioning to us getting ready to be released. Thank you very much for the experience. It was a very good time.”
Christopher Bishop
“I had a good time going out to watch the fireworks. I was definitely a little nervous at first but being around the staff in a more relaxed and joking environment help me out a lot and calmed me down. The only thing I would like to see would be us, able to help out at the rodeo and watching the fireworks. It was amazing and fun. I appreciate you taking me out and I hope this works out for next year as well.”
James Hunsberger
“Attending the firework show this Fourth of July was helpful to me in a few different ways. After nearly 48 months of incarceration, I just recently started to become worried that activities, once normal to me, would become foreign and not enjoyable. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It all felt very normal, which came as a great relief. It put my mind at ease knowing my transition back to my family and society will not be as drastic as feared.
Sensory overload has also been a concern but having the general public walking on the road behind us, fireworks in the distance, and even being in a vehicle at night was not overwhelming, but a welcoming dose of day-to-day life.
I have been outside the gate many times before on fire crew and work crew details so leaving the facility was no new task for me. Going out on a non-work-related event with staff that could have easily stayed at home with their friends and family was very eye-opening. Both staff and AICs enjoying a leisurely event together gave me a feeling that some at DOC really do want change. I’ve seen that a contact officer or a “Norway Program” can be more than a mission statement on a website or a pamphlet.
The Fourth of July is a big event in my family and while this event reminded me what I was missing out on, it also reinforced what I have to look forward to as long as I continue to make the right choices minute by minute day by day and so on. For that, I am very appreciative for this experience. P.S., please salt the popcorn next time!”
Alex Thomas
“I want to start off first by thanking those who made it possible for me to be included in the Fourth of July firework incentive. It was a real treat and an honor to be part of the select few. I’ve been working hard on myself and staying out of trouble and to have that recognized really reinforces what I have been doing. Going out that night helped bring back emotions that I didn’t realize I had tucked away during my incarceration. This opportunity has made me even more committed to not coming back and for that I am extremely thankful for the experience. Think that based off my experience, it would greatly benefit others that are also trying hard to improve themselves.”
Jose Jimenez
“First of all, I want to thank the staff for allowing me to participate in this great event. I appreciate the camaraderie shown to us and just being a part of something that took me out of incarceration and allowed me an opportunity to enjoy a holiday, clean and sober. An idea I have for the future would be two parts. One, allow the wildland firefighters to go to the event in their gear working alongside with the fire team in Haines. It would give them something to strive for and to actually get out and practice what they have learned. Two, if possible, bring an AIC who are doing great who has been down along time to give them a sense of normal in the real world. Otherwise keep it like you’re doing it, It’s a wonderful thing.”
Kenneth McDanial
Story by Charlie Brinton
