Pine Grove camp receives surprise from Kings - Inside CDCR (2024)

Incarcerated firefighters and staff were in store for a surprise from the Sacramento Kings at Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp.

Fire crew member Deshawn was suspicious.

“I didn’t even know (but I saw) a lot of people outside and I’m like, I knew something fun (was) here. I knew something high (level) was going to happen,” he said.

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In the middle of the afternoon, several Sacramento Kings staff arrived by bus carrying armloads of pizza boxes and NBA basketball equipment into the camp, just before fire crews returned from a long day.

“They did a very, very steep and heavy hike today, and they also cut fire line,” said Pine Grove Camp Commander Lt. Vanessa Melendez. “They are practicing for their crew exercise that’s coming up in a couple of weeks, so (it’s nice) having something that they can come to and look forward to. And in this case, it was a surprise.”

Sacramento Kings emcee Scott Freshour said it was going to be a fun day.

“We’re actually kind of bringing a basketball clinic out here to participate with the young gentlemen here. We’re going to have some fun, do some games, and teach them a little basketball. But more importantly, we’re going to teach them about teamwork.”

Pizza, dessert and basketball

Staff and fire crew members enjoyed a pizza party provided by the Sacramento Kings. They also enjoyed purple frosted vanilla cupcakes for dessert.

Justin Williams, Senior Manager of Youth and Community Engagement at the Sacramento Kings, said he appreciates the opportunity to give back to the community.

“My passion is just the game of basketball and sharing joy with it, so just giving back,” Williams said. “It’s the opportunity to give back to those (who) haven’t maybe had a chance to have a coach, just teaching some drills. Today we’re here to spread the love of the game of basketball. We are going to do a Semi-NBA All-Star Weekend skills and drills competition. Three-point shootout and then we’ll do a little scrimmage.”

DJ Stacelace brought NBA arena music and sound effects, transforming the tranquil mood and surroundings of Pine Grove Conservation Camp.

Slamson, the Kings mascot, cheered on the players, bringing his charismatic spirit and dance while entertaining spectators. The audience consisted of CAL FIRE and CDCR staff. During the scrimmage, referee Mo Brazelton oversaw the competitive players and enforced the rules.

Melendez expressed gratitude to the Kings organization, saying the event is a special experience.

“These events are extremely meaningful to our youths. It shows them (through) our partnership with the Kings that there is an entity that actually cares enough to pour into both our youths and our staff alike. We have staff that got involved today. It was pretty awesome to see them involved,” she said. “They actually do a lot of work as wildland firefighters. So, for them to come back and do something to kind of break up the monotony, I think that’s pretty awesome to have them experience that.”

Rehabilitation while having some fun

Freshour said rehabilitation requires acknowledging progress.

“We know they’re working hard out here. This is all about rehabilitation. And we believe having a little bit of fun is part of rehabilitation. We want these guys to have a positive impact. When they think about basketball, they think about the Sacramento Kings, because we’re rooting for their success,” he said. “We’re excited to see what they can do.”

Melendez said the event brings the camp population and staff together.

“I’m just looking at their smiles and just seeing my staff sitting on the sidelines enjoying it too. It’s a blessing to bring those young men to come experience that, especially when staff get involved. Sports unites everyone, regardless of your background,” she said. “(Fire crews need) a sense of camaraderie to be successful. And that’s exactly what they showed here today. You saw the hustle, the sweat, (and) the need to win. So that competitive spirit was there. It’s parallel to what they do on the fire line.”

Melendez shared she was grateful for the Kings organization.

“The Kings showed up (and) were ready to help our youth. Having that community partnership with the Kings organization has been stellar. It’s clear they care about the community,” she said. “They are wanting to do some things a little outside the box and that’s what I love. I’m so grateful for every single individual (who) was part of setting this up.”

Danny Royster, Recruitment Analyst and Statewide Events Coordinator for the Peace Officer Recruitment Unit, collaborated with Melendez and the Kings to organize the event.

“It was a pleasure working with the lieutenant and the Sac Kings team on this. I’m looking forward to collaborating on more projects,” Royster said. “Events such as this highlight the rehabilitative processes CDCR is trying to promote.”

Pine Grove participant thanks Kings organization

Deshawn said he enjoyed the basketball scrimmage.

“I want to say thank you all for coming (and) sharing your time with us because you all didn’t have to do this. You wanted to do this, you know. So, we appreciate it. We appreciate that a lot,” he said. “(I) feel like everybody was cool today like everybody was chilling. Everybody loved it, everybody enjoyed it. Even the people watching enjoyed it.”

After the scrimmage, Kings staff and Slamson posed in a group photo with participants and staff.

Producer/Videographer/Editor: Clarissa Resultan, Television Specialist
Additional video by Quinn Sheppard, Associate Governmental Program Analyst
Still images by Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp CAL FIRE and CDCR staff

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