Watertown Fire Department
Firefighter Joseph Toscano, a 21-year veteran of the Watertown Fire Department, died on March 17, 2017, after collapsing during a fire.
In March, a year after Watertown Firefighter Joseph Toscano lost his life fighting a fire, a memorial in his name will be unveiled near the East End home where the tragedy occurred.
At Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, East End Town Councilor Angeline Kounelis announced the date of the dedication.
“Eleven months ago a tragedy occurred in our community,” Kounelis said. “There was a loss of life. Firefighter Joseph Toscano answered his final alarm on Merrifield Avenue.”
On March 17, 2018 at 10 a.m., a plaque will be unveiled at the corner of Merrifield Avenue and Bigelow Avenue to memorialize Toscano. Kounelis invited the public to join in the dedication, which she hopes will bring some closure to the Watertown Fire Department – which not only mourned Toscano but also Chief Mario Orangio who died in November.
“The last year has been difficult for Watertown Firefighters as they look back on the death of Toscano, who gave his life protecting ours,” Kounelis said.
Kounelis also thanked Watertown Savings Bank for donating money to pay for the memorial as well as for the refreshments at the reception afterward at the Hellenic Cultural Center.
“The Savings Bank is always with us in our joys and sorrows,” Kounelis said.
She added a thank you to Town Manager Michael Driscoll for making the arrangements for the event and the reception.