- Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association
Hope is growing in Hampden County — and it's rooted in something unexpected: trees. Jose Hernandez, was recently released from the care and custody of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office. But unlike many returning citizens, Jose isn’t facing the uncertainty of reentry alone. Thanks to the Arborist Apprenticeship Program offered through the Hampden County Sheriff's Office, he already has a job lined up with the City of Springfield as a tree specialist. He’s one of hundreds who have gone through the program — a hands-on, workforce-driven initiative giving justice-involved individuals a path forward in a growing and well-paying field.
The Arborist Apprenticeship Program has been in existence since 2015 as part of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office Workforce Initiative. Overseen by certified arborist Benjamin Belisle, the program trains participants in essential arboriculture skills — from tree identification and pruning techniques to rigging, chainsaw use, and heavy equipment operation.
“This work is real,” says Belisle. “The participants are out there every day planting trees, managing overgrowth, and learning how to use specialized equipment. They’re gaining skills that are in high demand in the workforce.” In fact, their work extends beyond the jail’s perimeter. Inmates have contributed to beautification and sustainability efforts at the Stonybrook Stabilization and Treatment Center — an extension of the program’s community impact.
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi sees the program as more than job training. For him, it’s about dignity, opportunity, and breaking the cycle of incarceration. “When you give people a purpose and a paycheck, you give them a chance,” says Sheriff Cocchi. “This program is about more than planting trees — it’s about planting hope and creating pathways out of the system.”
And those pathways are leading to real results. With partnerships that include Asnuntuck Community College, Local 63 Sheet Metal Workers Union, and Avid Ironworks, participants gain not just skills, but connections to sustainable careers.
The arboriculture trade continues to grow as communities across the country invest in green spaces and urban forestry. For returning citizens like Jose Hernandez, the program serves as a springboard — offering a second chance rooted in real-world experience.
“We want employers to know: these are trained, dedicated, and hard-working individuals who deserve a shot,” Belisle says. “They’ve proven themselves under tough circumstances. When they come out, they’re ready to work.”
As Jose starts his new life, the message from Hampden County is clear: When we invest in people, we all grow.
Local businesses looking to expand their workforce while making a positive impact are encouraged to connect with the Sheriff's Office about hiring program graduates. These individuals come prepared — not just with skills, but with a renewed sense of purpose.
Because sometimes, all it takes to change a life is the chance to grow.
