Vernonia Thanks Inmates and DOC Staff for Flood Assistance

Inmate Work Crews Receive Many Thanks from Community of Vernonia.

The efforts of these Vernonia citizens have been greatly assisted by the state inmates and staff. Photo courtesy: vernoniafloodinfo.blogspot.com

(VERNONIA, Ore.) - The residents of Vernonia, Oregon say the recent assistance of state prison inmates and staff to their flood damaged city has made a serious difference in their efforts to bring the problems associated with recent flooding under control, and the work continues.

Vernonia's Mayor and City Councilors have joined citizens there to recognize the work of the Department of Corrections' staff supervisors and the 160 minimum security inmates who came to their town to lend a hand. The DOC staff and inmates have been housed in a mobile work camp at L.L. "Stub" Stewart State Park since last Wednesday evening and have been working to assist the clean-up effort after the devastating flood.

In total, the offenders have worked thousands of hours for the people of Vernonia. They have been clearing debris, spreading gravel and helping to clean the homes of many people in the community.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that 250 to 300 homes have been affected by the flood.

Eight work crews of ten men each will continue to help with the clean-up effort until they are no longer needed. These staff and inmates and will come from South Fork Forest Camp daily.

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"The Department of Corrections wants to thank the people of Vernonia for welcoming us into their community and allowing them to help with the clean-up of their town and re-start their lives. Successful transition from prison and into society is part of the mission of the Department. These events help inmates successfully transition back into Oregon communities" says Director Max Williams.