Police/Fire

Watertown Police Faced Real-Life Scenarios in the Middlesex Sheriff’s Mobile Training Center

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Watertown Police Officer Mike Hill looks at the screen in the Middlesex Sheriff Office’s Mobile Training Center. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

A trailer parked on a vacant lot in Watertown appeared quiet and tranquil from the outside, but inside Watertown Police officers faced intense situations in which they sometimes had to draw their firearms and even fire real bullets. The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office recently parked its Mobile Training Center on the former Sterritt Lumber site on Waltham Street for a week, so that the Watertown Police could take part in real world simulations with videos while using their own equipment. Lt. Kevin McManus, who oversees the WPD’s Training Division, said having the training center in town allows officers to go through some of the most realistic training while having the convenience of going through it while they are on a normal shift. The training center uses a system created by Laser Shot, and offers more than 600 different scenarios.

Entertainment

See What’s Planned for the 2nd Annual Watertown Porchfest

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Watertown’s Porchfest is back and expanded, with more than 180 performances at locations around town, and after hour events. See the announcement from the Porchfest committee below. Porchfest is returning for its 2nd year, this Saturday, May 17th from 12-6 p.m. with After Hours from 6-9 p.m.! 

Porchfest is a day of free music performed outside of people’s homes – on porches, patios, driveways, and lawns. This year there are 180+ performances at 70+ locations spread throughout the city. Start the day with the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee’s celebration of the new sculptures on the Community Sculpture Walk.

Schools

Third Annual Watertown Family Formal Will be Held at Hosmer School

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Watertown will host the third annual Family Formal for on Saturday, May 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event is for students in grades K-5, and will be held at Hosmer Elementary School, 1 Concord Road, Watertown. This is not a drop off event. Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 per student, with a family cap of $30. Financial assistance is available. There will be a DJ and photo booth.

Entertainment

Hear from the Artists Behind the New Additions to Watertown’s Community Sculpture Walk

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Artist Joe Chirchirillo installed a new painted metal sculpture on the Community Sculpture Walk. (City of Watertown)

New pieces have been installed on the Watertown Community Sculpture Walk. On Saturday, a walk is planned where artists will discuss their sculptures. See more information from the City of Watertown. There is a Community Sculpture Walk on the Community Path in Saltonstall Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11 a.m.-noon.

Around Town

DCR Seeks Lifeguards for Pools and Beaches in Watertown & Other Communities

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The DCR’s Dealtry Pool in Watertown. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced a renewed push to recruit lifeguards, swim instructors, and other roles across Massachusetts ahead of the summer season. Certified lifeguard applicants who commit to working at an agency beach or pool through Labor Day can still earn up to $750 in bonuses, in addition to competitive hourly wages ranging from $22 to $27 depending on position and associated certifications.   

“DCR’s beaches and pools welcome thousands of families and residents each summer, and hiring qualified lifeguards is crucial to ensuring a safe and fun experience for all,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Our lifeguards spend their summers outside, made good money, and may even get to save some lives.

Elections

Candidate Papers for Watertown’s 2025 Election Will be Available in Early June

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown residents cast their ballots at Watertown City Hall. The General City Election will be Nov. 4, 2025. Residents planning to run for elected office in Watertown in 2025 will be able to take out papers in the beginning of June, and will have to get the signatures to the City Clerk by mid-July to run in the 2025 City Election, which will take place on Nov. 4.

Police/Fire

Four Armed Robbery Suspects Caught by Watertown Police

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Watertown Police took four suspects into custody after an alleged armed robbery on an MBTA bus. See details in the announcement from the Watertown Police Department. On May 6, 2025, Watertown Police responded to a 911 call reporting an armed robbery that occurred on an MBTA bus. Watertown Police officers quickly located four suspects hiding in a backyard on Eliot Street. The investigation confirmed that the robbery took place onboard an MBTA bus within Watertown.