Fire Escape: Bonus Episode - Adrianna with Special Guest Sukey Lewis | Episode 10

Release Date: February 20, 2025
Hosted by Anna Sussman

Introduction

In this compelling bonus episode of Fire Escape, hosted by Anna Sussman, listeners delve into the inspiring journey of Adrianna—a young mother, midwife, and daughter of a feminist icon—whose life took a dramatic turn after a fatal crash led to her incarceration. Trapped within the confines of prison, Adrianna discovers a beacon of hope by joining an all-female crew of incarcerated firefighters. This episode not only chronicles her transformation but also explores the intricate dynamics between incarcerated individuals and corrections staff through an in-depth conversation with special guest Sukey Lewis, host of the On Our Watch podcast from KQED.

Adrianna's Journey at Station 5

a. Starting as a Firefighter

Adrianna's introduction to firefighting began at Station 5, where she moved from the main prison after hearing about the opportunity from another inmate. Her initial enthusiasm was palpable:

Adrianna [01:18]: "Before I even got on the engine... I absolutely fell in love, like, completely head over heels."

Her first call was a dump fire, an experience that solidified her passion for firefighting despite the challenging environment:

Adrianna [01:30]: "People get to do this for a living. This is cool."

b. Becoming an Engineer

Despite having five other women with more seniority and experience, Adrianna was unexpectedly approached by a captain to become the next engineer. Her humility and dedication shone through as she overcame self-doubt to secure the position:

Adrianna [03:20]: "I passed all my exams. And when the chief announced... me, I was pretty shocked at myself."

This promotion opened a new world of possibilities for her, fostering a deeper connection with her peers and the firefighting community.

c. First Calls and Team Dynamics

Adrianna's role as an engineer brought her into closer collaboration with the Chowchilla City Fire Department. Her first significant call with them was a warehouse fire, an intense experience that tested her skills and resilience:

Adrianna [07:07]: "There was too much fuel and it was really hard to save that building. It was zero visibility."

The Chowchilla team specifically requested Adrianna's assistance, making her feel welcomed and valued:

Adrianna [08:31]: "They single-handedly requested... that made me feel at home with them."

Challenges Upon Parole

a. Lack of Family Support

Adrianna faced significant emotional hurdles upon nearing her parole, primarily due to having no immediate family in the U.S.:

Adrianna [13:07]: "I had no idea what I would do or where I would go."

Her family remained in Mexico, complicating her transition back to society.

b. Denied Transfer Request

Aspiring to return to Chowchilla, where she felt a sense of belonging, Adrianna's initial request for a transfer was denied:

Adrianna [15:38]: "I was devastated. I was like, oh, how am I going to do this?"

This denial left her feeling isolated and unprepared for reintegration.

c. Moving to LA County

Paroling to LA County during the height of COVID-19, Adrianna struggled with anxiety and a lack of support:

Adrianna [16:33]: "Leaving Station 5 was terrifying. I was paroleing pretty much on my own."

Her environment was starkly different from the structured and supportive setting at Station 5, leading to feelings of restlessness and fear.

Finding Hope and Connection

a. Meeting Dustin Smith

Dustin Smith, a volunteer firefighter from Chowchilla, played a pivotal role in Adrianna's story. Initially harboring misconceptions about incarcerated individuals, Dustin's perspective shifted after interacting with Adrianna:

Dustin Smith [09:01]: "I didn't know if I needed to look behind me... somebody who's been to prison, they were the worst of the worst."

However, a transformative incident during a fire call changed his outlook.

b. The Denny’s Encounter

A serendipitous meeting at Denny’s marked a turning point for Adrianna. Encountering a female firefighter captain who became a source of encouragement reinforced her desire to reconnect with Chowchilla:

Adrianna [18:15]: "I felt like I was looking in a mirror. That's gonna be me."

This encounter inspired her to pursue the transfer once more.

c. Successful Transfer to Chowchilla

Determined to return, Adrianna strategically included Dustin as a reference in her transfer request. Her persistence paid off:

Dustin Smith [20:05]: "It was really surprising to get the call that said, hey, I'm approved."

Adrianna relocated to Chowchilla, reuniting with her firefighting crew and finally bringing her family from Mexico to live with her:

Adrianna [23:34]: "I was actually working for Cal fire and missed the day that my daughter got home because I was stuck out on a fire."

The successful transfer allowed Adrianna to balance her professional duties with her personal life, fostering a sense of normalcy and fulfillment.

Reuniting with Family and New Life

Adrianna's relocation to Chowchilla not only reintegrated her into the firefighting community but also enabled her to bring her family to the U.S. Her heartfelt reunion underscored the profound personal transformation she underwent:

Adrianna [23:50]: "I just hold my finger to my mouth and my dad wasn't facing me... he just starts crying... I love that moment."

Living with her family, Adrianna experienced the joys of a supportive home environment, contrasting sharply with her previous isolation in prison.

Insights from Sukey Lewis

Sukey Lewis, an investigative reporter, provides deeper analysis on the broader implications of Adrianna's story and the relationships between incarcerated individuals and corrections staff.

a. Identity and Empowerment

Lewis highlights how roles like firefighting offer incarcerated individuals a new sense of identity and empowerment:

Sukey Lewis [27:06]: "Getting this role... gave her access to a new identity. This gave her both personally this feeling of empowerment..."

b. Relationships Between Formerly Incarcerated and Corrections Officers

Drawing parallels from her own reporting, Sukey discusses rare yet impactful relationships that transcend the typical adversarial dynamic:

Sukey Lewis [27:46]: "It's like two people who've been through a war... they find someone else who has that shared experience."

She emphasizes the common humanity that can emerge when barriers are broken down, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

c. Comparisons to Norway Model

Lewis contrasts the U.S. system with Norway's rehabilitation-focused approach, noting the absence of the "us versus them" mentality in the latter:

Sukey Lewis [34:08]: "In Norway, there is not this same us versus them mentality. Both correctional officers and incarcerated people have a much more positive view of their experience."

This comparison underscores the potential for transformative change within correctional environments.

Conclusion

Adrianna's story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of community. Through her involvement with the all-female firefighting crew at Station 5, she not only found a path to redemption but also forged meaningful connections that bridged the gap between incarcerated individuals and the broader community. Sukey Lewis's insights further illuminate the nuanced relationships that can emerge in such settings, offering a hopeful perspective on rehabilitation and human connection.

Notable Quotes:

• Adrianna [03:20]: "I passed all my exams. And when the chief announced... me, I was pretty shocked at myself."

• Adrianna [08:31]: "They single-handedly requested... that made me feel at home with them."

• Adrianna [16:33]: "Leaving Station 5 was terrifying. I was paroleing pretty much on my own."

• Sukey Lewis [27:06]: "Getting this role... gave her access to a new identity. This gave her both personally this feeling of empowerment..."

Thank you to Suki Lewis for sharing her insights and to Adrianna for her courageous story. Produced by SNAP Studios and Wondery.