Watertown Fire Department
Firefighter Joseph Toscano, a 21-year veteran of the Watertown Fire Department, died Friday after collapsing during a fire.
Watertown Firefighter Joseph Toscano, who died while fighting a fire on March 17, 2017, was honored posthumously with the state’s highest honor at the 2017 Firefighter of the Year Awards.
Toscano collapsed in a Merrifield Avenue home where the Watertown Fire Department was fighting a fire. He was taken to hospital and was pronounced dead from a heart attack. The 54-year-old Randolph resident left behind a wife and five children. The 21-year veteran on Watertown Fire Department was laid to rest after a memorial in Watertown attended by thousands of firefighters.
On Nov. 21, Gov. Charlie Baker and state Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey presented awards to dozens of firefighters from 22 departments. They were honored for acts of bravery, meritorious conduct and public service.
Toscano received Massachusetts’ highest honor for firefighters, the Medal of Honor. Toscano’s family attended the event at Worcester’s Mechanics Hall, and Baker presented the medal to Toscano’s son William.
The event was emceed by WCVB news anchor Maria Stephanos, who said. “Joseph Toscano really was a hero.”
Mass. Undersecretary for Homeland Security Patrick McMurray gave his appreciation for the vital role firefighters play in protecting citizens. According to the Boston Globe he also praised former Watertown Fire Chief Mario Orangio, who died of cancer Nov. 7.
See more coverage from this story and video from WHDH.
We will never forget our heroes – Firefighter Joe Toscano who gave his life protecting people of Watertown,
Fire chief Mario Orangio who was dedicated -right to the end – securing grants and other incentives to benefit Fire service and the safety of the people in Watertown.
May God bless and keep them . May they Rest In Peace .