WESTFIELD – Students from the construction technology program at Westfield Technical Academy collaborated with the state police this spring to build a conference table for the Russell Barracks.
Technical Academy alumnus Trooper John Stec reached out to the carpentry program to see if they could help in this project. The experience allowed Stec to work with the sophomore carpentry students on some basic designs and measurements for the table. Stec encouraged the students to design and build the table in a fashion they thought would work best for the conference room setting.
“Building such a project for the barracks allowed students to use materials and techniques that we do not usually teach with the budget we have. It also allowed students to see the barracks and the opportunities of becoming a Massachusetts State Trooper,” said teacher Wayne Bush, who worked on the project with the students.
Bush said the shop reached out to vendors to see if they could help with material for the learning process of this project. He said Gary Midura from L&R Sale of West Springfield donated laminate for the students to practice and use for the table top, and James Byrne from Prime Plywood and Panel of West Springfield donated the particle board for the base of the top and extra material which allowed the students to practice various techniques with a router.
Bush said without the support of local businesses, the students would not be able to participate in projects like these.
On Thursday, March 31, 2016, Russell State Police Barracks’ commanding officer, Lieutenant John Hackett, invited the students and staff to a luncheon to thank them for their hard work. Luncheon was served on the table they had built.
Members of the command staff from Troop B headquarters were also present, including Troop B Commanding Officer Major Barry O’Brien and his staff, Captain Michael Habel, Captain Bruce Hiorns, and Lieutenant Paul D’Auteuil. Also present was Senator Benjamin Downing’s assistant, Nico Helems.
During the luncheon Lt Hackett and Troopers from the barracks presented a plaque to the students and a donation to the School that was collected from members of the barracks. Major O’Brien spoke with the students about the opportunities within the State Police and the process of becoming a State Trooper.
The new table will allow multiple troopers to work together comfortably at one convenient location, Bush said.
