Meet the newest members on the Decatur County Fire Department. They have the same equipment, passion and skill set as traditional firefighters but how they got here is a non traditional story.

These are inmates who are serving time for crimes they've committed. The county lacked daytime firefighters and turned to them for help.

They've gone through training and are certified. But for these men, it's not about fighting fire, it's a second chance at life.

Decatur County Administrator Tom Patton says, It's an opportunity for them to learn a profession and hopefully their going to go out there and become paid firefighters.

They all have different paths that lead them here. We can't show their faces on camera, but it doesn't stop them from sharing their story.

Voice of Inmate Number One says, "I got started at an early age, I committed crimes to get money for drugs and that's how I ended up here".

Voice of Inmate Number Two says, "I grew up in a pretty rough neighborhood and I didn't have too many role models. I always thought I was a good person but I just made bad decisions and it landed me here".

They say this program changed their life and for those watching the growth was refreshing

Patrick Coty Inmate Firefighter Trainer says, "Watching the transformation, they have gone from quote inmates, and evolving to firefighters was a transition like none other I've ever seen. "The one thing that these guys want more than anything is that they want their family and friends to be proud of something they've done".

This is a picture from their graduation, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in their life.

"It makes feel wonderful, all I ever done is hurt people in my life so to be able to give back and help people it just makes you feel real good about yourself". Says, inmate one.

"It's about time for me to give back a little ya know. I fell like I've done so much wrong in my life and the fact that I can help people....I'm ecstatic". Says, inmate two.

They say they will continue to fight fire on their way to freedom.

The warden tells us all nine firefighters passed their state exam with very high scores the first time around and they say that's rare for any firefighter.

There are about three hundred inmate firefighters throughout the Peach State.