Colleagues,
We are excited to share this incredible example of a vocational technical school partnering with a member community to save a town money while providing a tremendous learning opportunity for Chapter 74 students!
Pathfinder Tech partnered with Belchertown to build a new “Fire Department Living Quarters”.
This project was originally estimated to cost the town $1.7 million. Over the past two years, however, the students completed all of the work, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical. This reduced the total cost to under $200,000 and saved the town an estimated $1.5 million.
Pathfinder Superintendent Eric Duda had the honor to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the Fire Chief, Town Manager, Select Board members, Senator Oliveira, and Representative Saunders to unveil the new living quarters.
MAVA congratulations all of the students and staff who participated in this incredibly successful project!!
David
Pathfinder Tech Students Build New Fire Department Living Quarters
Belchertown firefighters now have modern on-site living quarters – built by Pathfinder Tech students, saving the Town $1.5M. A true community partnership in action.
On March 31, 2026, the Belchertown Fire Department officially unveiled its newly completed living quarters at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at 10 North Main Street. The project was built by students from Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School’s carpentry, plumbing, and electrical programs — saving the Town an estimated $1.5 million compared to conventional contracting.
The new quarters represent a meaningful upgrade for the department. Firefighters no longer have to travel from a separate EMS building to the apparatus in all weather conditions when responding to emergencies – a change that improves both response times and firefighter safety.
“These new living quarters are a gamechanger for our department. Our firefighters work long shifts and being able to recharge and stay ready in a comfortable, modern space directly supports their health and performance on the job. We are incredibly grateful to Pathfinder Tech and its students for what they built here — this is a lasting investment in public safety for Belchertown.” — Fire Chief John Ingram, Belchertown Fire-Rescue Department
Tuesday’s celebration brought together firefighters, town and state officials, Pathfinder Tech administrators, faculty, and the students who made it all possible. "This project highlights the true power and promise of Career Technical Education. Through hands-on learning and real-world application, our students didn’t just develop technical skills, they delivered a meaningful, lasting contribution to the Belchertown Fire Department. We were honored to be a part of this project and to support those who serve our community." — Superintendent Eric Duda, Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School.
The Town of Belchertown is proud to have partnered with Pathfinder Tech on this project. The completion of these living quarters reflects our community’s ongoing commitment to supporting the men and women who protect us every day. We look forward to continuing to work alongside Pathfinder Tech as both organizations invest in the future of Belchertown.
Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education
LEARNING THAT WORKS FOR MASSACHUSETTS
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira