Former Gang Members Honored as Firefighters
Damian Elias, who has put gang life behind him, said he is a more formidable force as a firefighter.
As a member of the East Los Angeles Aztecs, Elias is part of an on-call firefighting unit that helps the U.S. Forest Service battle blazes in California and other states.
“Most of us are former gang members,” Elias, 25, said. “There are no separate turfs in this firefighting crew. Together we’re fighting fires and helping out the community.”
Seventeen crew members were recognized by Councilman Richard Alatorre at a City Hall ceremony Friday for completing their first firefighting season.
Each year, the East Los Angeles Aztecs--established in 1993--completes more than 80 hours of classroom training and live drills. Since April, the 17 honorees have fought blazes on 16 assignments. Crew members, age 18 or older, earn $8 to $11 per hour depending on their level of experience.
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