Thanks to a partnership between the Massachusetts State Police and Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, students are installing a high-efficiency HVAC system at the State Police barracks in Leominster. With oversight from vocational instructors and the state police facilities management team, students are installing a variable refrigerant flow heat pump system to provide environmentally-friendly heating and cooling at the barracks on Hawes Street.

According to construction coordinator Joseph Forest, this project is one of several occurring throughout the state. “Partnerships with vocational schools have many benefits,” he explains. “Our facilities are upgraded with eco-friendly systems, and students learn to work with cutting-edge technology that gives them an advantage in the workforce. Moreover, positive interactions between students and law enforcement provide vital community connections.”

Brendan Curran, HVAC instructor at Monty Tech, concurs. “Working on this design-build project, Monty Tech students are getting invaluable experience with state-of-the-art materials.  They’re responsible for the installation, engineering, and design of the project. Students are applying skills learned at school in an operational state police barracks.  I’m very proud of the work that we’re doing for the community—it shows how we can all benefit from a project like this.

John Bussiere, electrical instructor at Monty Tech, is grateful for the experience, as well. “We truly appreciate the chance to work in the community. Projects like these are a win-win for students and the Commonwealth.”

Students are equally enthusiastic about the project. Juniors Charles Collins of Harvard and Gianna Murray of Fitchburg visibly light up when asked about their work at the barracks. “We’ve had to build a completely new system,” Collins shares. “This means installing new refrigerant and drainage lines and wiring the new system.” Murray explains further that the system includes two outdoor condensers and 13 indoor minisplits. When asked how it feels to work at the barracks, both students report that troopers and staff have made them feel welcome.

“We’re fortunate to have wonderful community partners like the Massachusetts State Police who help us realize the potential of vocational education,” says Ryan Rege, Monty Tech’s director of vocational programs. “Our students are lucky to have this opportunity to further their skills while improving a state facility. Partnerships like these are invaluable.”

The Leominster State Police barracks serves the surrounding communities of Ashby, Ayer, Berlin, Bolton, Fitchburg, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend.