Police/Fire

Watertown Police Running Compliance Checks of Establishments Serving Alcohol

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The Watertown Police Department announced it will be conducting annual Alcohol Compliance Checks of all licensed establishments beginning in November 2017 through November 2018. These compliance checks are conducted to ensure that all licensed establishments follow and comply with all rules and regulations pertaining to the safe service and sale of alcohol in our community. This notice is made in accordance with department alcohol compliance policy and with the recommendation of the ABCC (Alcohol Beverage Control Commission).

Police/Fire

Two Funeral Homes Offering Reward for Identity of Cemetery Vandals

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Two area funeral homes have joined together to offer a $2,000 reward for the identity of the person or people who knocked over a statue and several headstones at St. Patrick’s Cemetery last week. On Nov. 7, the vandalism was discovered. Along with seven tipped headstones a statue on the monument to the Marist Missionary Sisters was knocked over and shattered.

Police/Fire

Grant Allows Watertown Fire Department to Give Seniors Smoke Detectors

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With funds from the Senior SAFE Grant the Watertown Fire Department was able to conduct a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installation program for seniors, said Watertown Fire Capt. Ryan Nicholson. “Seniors are one of our most at risk populations with regards to fire deaths across the state. Smoke alarms provide early warning during a fire when seconds count,” Nicholson said. This year our program was able to install 48 smoke alarms and 41 carbon monoxide alarms in 20 elderly resident’s homes, Nicholson said. In addition, each resident was provided a fire extinguisher and an opportunity to voice their questions and concerns with regards to fire safety in the home.

Mario Orangio

Watertown Says Goodbye to its Fire Chief Who Loved the WFD Almost as Much as His Family

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Friends, family and fellow firefighters packed St. Patrick’s Church Friday morning to say goodbye to Mario Orangio, a man who always had a smile on his face and who loved the Watertown Fire Department almost as much as he loved his family. 

The Watertown Fire Chief from February 2004 to October 2017, Orangio was as appointed chief when he was just 37. Father Matthew Conley, parochial vicar for St. Pat’s and Sacred Heart Catholic churches, who is also the Fire Department’s chaplain, said the pain of Orangio’s death was worsened by the fact that he was taken by pancreatic cancer at such a young age. “Adding to the sting of this day is that Mario was only 51 years old and battled a horrendous disease,” Conley said. “He was just too young.”

Police/Fire

Headstones, Monument Damaged by Vandal at Cemetery in Watertown

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A statue and several headstones were damaged by a vandal at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Watertown. The damage was discovered on Tuesday evening at about 7 p.m., and Watertown Police are investigating. “It was reported by someone who frequents the cemetery,” said Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor. “The person called up reporting vandalism at the cemetery.”

Fire Department

Watertown Fire Department Mourning Death of Chief Mario Orangio

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Former Watertown Fire Chief Mario Orangio died overnight, and the Watertown Fire Department is preparing to honor their leader later this week. News of Orangio’s passing spread over social media Tuesday morning. Orangio officially stepped down as Fire Chief in October, but had been battling pancreatic cancer for months. He was 51 years old. He grew up in Watertown and became a firefighter in 1989.

Around Town

Winter Parking Ban Dates Announced by Watertown Police Chief

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Watertown Chief of Police Michael P. Lawn has announced the 2017-2018 Winter
Parking Ban dates. Effective November 27, 2017 and continuing to April 1, 2018 the Winter Parking Ban will be in effect and strictly enforced. The regulation reads in part; “No vehicle may remain on any public way for more than one hour between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. all days of the week.” For residents who lack sufficient off-street parking, the Town allows for temporary
parking at any municipal parking lot and other locations noted:
• The police station at 552 Main Street (visitor’s parking lot only)
• Any public school parking lot
• Marion Road parking lot at Victory Field
• O’Connell Park, (lot at the corner of Boylston Street and Mt Auburn Street)
Please note that these locations may be used free of charge, however vehicles may only use available spaces after 7 p.m. and must be moved/removed by 7 a.m. the following day. Vehicles must be removed from school property no later than 6 a.m. Violators may be towed.