Belchertown, MA. — July 1 — Call Firefighter Stackhouse received recognition from the Belchertown Fire Department following his graduation from Massachusetts Fire Academy Class S127. Classroom education, live-fire training, search and rescue, ladder operations, and emergency response abilities that satisfy state firefighter standards were all part of the academy's recruit curriculum. Upon graduation, the training necessary to become a qualified fireman in Massachusetts was completed.

By adding another qualified member to the department's response force, Stackhouse's achievement improved operational readiness. Department representatives understood the dedication needed to finish the program and the need of ongoing professional training in providing the Belchertown community with safe, efficient emergency services.