Northeast Metro Tech Students Help Renovate Stoneham Fire Station

STONEHAM, MA — About 30 students from Northeast Metro Tech's plumbing, electrical, carpentry and HVAC programs are getting real-world experience at the 105-year-old Stoneham Fire Station.

For the next few months, the students will help renovate and update the space, working in groups of five to comply with COVI-19 guidelines.

The work will consist of renovating a second floor to accommodate the needs of the department, relocating the kitchen to the second floor and turning the former kitchen space into a gear storage room and various other small projects, such as replacing the wheelchair ramp at the front of the building.

Currently, the kitchen is located off the apparatus floor, and gear is stored nearby as well. Creating this separation of the working and living areas will help reduce this risk of exposing firefighters to carcinogens left on gear before it is washed and cleaned after being used for a call. The bathroom renovation will help to fix plumbing leaks and repair the dilapidated room to provide an upgraded space for firefighters to use.

Chief Grafton presented the plans to Massachusetts Historic Commission, which approved the plans to ensure the work maintained the historic nature of the building.

"It's a win-win for everyone," Stoneham Fire Chief Matthew Grafton said in a statement. "The students learn from their experience, the fire department has a healthier work environment and taxpayers are able to save some a significant amount of money by not having to pay the cost of labor. We greatly appreciate Northeast Metro Tech for helping us and are happy to help them gain this experience. This work wouldn't be possible without them."

The group initially began working on the project in early 2020 but had to pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students work a few hours a day, four days a week and have made progress on the bathroom renovations and completed the new ramp.

"We are thrilled to be able to partner with Stoneham Fire to help our students gain hands-on experience and show their support for our community partners," Superintendent David DiBarri said in a release. "Partnerships like this help to enrich the lives of our students and I know this is something that they really look forward to each week."