BELCHERTOWN, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The Belchertown Fire Department is getting a much-needed upgrade to their building, thanks to a donation from a town business.

Window World of Western Massachusetts decided to replace the fire station’s 30-year-old roof for free, which is providing relief for the department during budgetary constraints. “And, of course, in budget crisis that we’re all in, it’s a huge relief off of me and the town to have such a large expense taken off the plate,” said Belchertown Fire Chief John Ingram.

The gesture reverses the usual dynamic where firefighters respond to help community members in need. “And it’s just an awesome feeling to know that people who live in the community, work in the community, have businesses in the community, [that] are willing to reach out and help us instead of us running to them and helping them,” Ingram added.

Tim Drost, owner of Window World of Western Massachusetts, said first responders deserve recognition for their service. “Obviously, the fire department, police department are the backbone of the community and we want to, you know, any good community, we want to circle around how we can support that, especially today. You know, as the chief talked about earlier, there’s budget cuts and everything like that. We’re blessed in Belchertown to have the services that we do have,” he explained.

The new roof is expected to protect the fire station for another 50 years.

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