Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
We are pleased to share this interesting story from our colleagues at Monty Tech.
David
Monty Tech students experience firefighter training at MA Fire Academy
Students from Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School take turns operating a fire hose during firefighter training in April at the Massachusetts Fire Academy in Stow.
UPDATED: May 11, 2025
STOW — A group of senior HVAC and Property Maintenance students from Monty Tech had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on, immersive experience at the Massachusetts Fire Academy in April. This field trip offered valuable training and insights into firefighting techniques, fire safety, and team building.
The Massachusetts Fire Academy provides fire training to municipal fire service personnel and offers immersive school tours and programs for students to gain practical experience with firefighting equipment and skills. While the HVAC students received a Hot Works, fire safety certification junior year, this experience took their training to a new level. HVAC Instructor Gabe Josephs said, “The Hot Works certification offers foundational fire prevention knowledge, this immersion program reinforces just how serious a situation can become when mistakes happen.”
The students experienced the life of a firefighter through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on drills. The day included gear-up exercises, hose line training, a mock fire scenario, and drills on the second floor of the Academy’s training building. They also practiced search-and-rescue in a pitch-black building, forcible entry techniques, and a final challenge to suit up in under a minute — tests that pushed their teamwork, quick thinking, and ability to perform under pressure.
For one student this day meant so much more. Jack Mateychuk from Holden visited the fire station where his late father, James “Jaime” Mateychuk, had worked part-time after his retirement from the Worcester Fire Department, where he devoted over twenty years to Rescue 1. In a heartfelt tribute to Jaime’s legacy, his colleagues, including those who weren’t scheduled to be at the Academy, came together wearing matching “Gone but Not Forgotten” shirts to support Jack during his visit. This experience was far more than training; it was a tribute to Jack’s father and a demonstration of the bond within the fire service community. Josephs said, “It was great to experience this with my students, and I know it will have a lasting impact on them.” The Monty Tech HVAC and Property Maintenance program has seen an evolution in its curriculum and credentialing opportunities for students, continually seeking valuable opportunities for them as they develop and explore a variety of important career pathways.
Monty Tech students practiced drills on the second floor of the Mass. Fire Academy’s training building. H)
Instructors at the Mass. Fire Academy worked with Monty Tech students during a mock scenario in April at the Academy’s headquarters in Stow.
Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education
LEARNING THAT WORKS FOR MASSACHUSETTS
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira