Letters

LETTER: Praise for Sensitivity of Watertown Police, Call for Citizen’s Academy

By |

Dear Editor:

As we express our condolences to the families regarding the events this week involving the fatal police shootings of Afro-American civilians in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Falcon Heights, Minnesota that culminated in an atrocious attack and slaying of five (5) of our Police Officers and wounding seven (7) others in Dallas, Texas we are all numb from shock. It goes without saying that racial division cannot continue to prevail in our country! It points out how fortunate we are in Watertown to have the brave men and women in blue who protect us 365 days a year; day in and day out. In 1989, I was contacted by our late Police Chief Robert Kelly. He proudly outlined to me the racial sensitivity training program that had been implemented by his department in Watertown.

Charity

Casino Night Will Raise Funds for Cops for Kids with Cancer

By |

The Watertown Police will put on a Casino Night for a good cause this fall, with the proceeds going to a charity that helps the families of children fighting cancer. On Friday, Sept. 16, 2016 from 7 p.m. to midnight, a Casino Night will be held at American Legion Post 440 in Newton. Proceeds benefit Cops for Kids with Cancer, which provides thousands of dollars to families to help pay for the costs that insurance does not cover when a child undergoes cancer treatment. Last year, a the charity presented a Watertown family with a $5,000 check to help them out as their son underwent treatment for a rare form of leukemia.

Police/Fire

Rally to Support Watertown Police Officers Planned This Week

By |

In the wake of the recent violence against police officers in the United States a group of residents is organizing a rally to show support for Watertown Police Officers. 

The event will be a non-political gathering for residents to show support for the Watertown Police, said one of the organizers, Marilyn Petitto Devaney, a former Town Councilor and current Governor’s Councilor. “There will be no political speeches – it will be a low key, non-political gathering of residents showing support for our Watertown Police,” Petitto Devaney said. “With the violence occurring across our country we need to thank our Watertown Police.” The rally will be held Thursday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. next to Town Hall.

Arrests

Police Log: Vandal Leaves Message on Confederate Flag, Shoplifters Foiled

By |

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests
June 30, 11:12 a.m.: A man was stopped after Marshalls security spotted him taking four sets of bedsheets and a shirt. Security watched the man closely because they recognized him from a couple past incidents where they suspect he took merchandise. On the 30th, the man removed security devices from the items and tried to leave without paying. The items were worth $399.

Boston Marathon Bombing

Local Reporter Tells Story of Boston Cop Who Died from Injures from the Watertown Shootout

By |

The puzzling death of a Boston Police officer who was injured during the Watertown Shootout and died suddenly a year later was chronicled by Watertown-based reporter Adam Sennott. Boston Police Officer Dennis O. Simmonds was described as a model police officer, and was one of the officers who responded to the shootout with the Boston Marathon Bombers in Watertown. Though not publicized Simmonds was injured in the shootout. He was honored by the Boston Police and was presented an award from the National Association of Police Organizations by President Obama. A year later he died of what was called a brain aneurism, but an autopsy was not performed.

Cops & Rec

2 Family Movie Nights Being Hosted by Watertown Police, Rec Departments

By |

Summer Family Movie Nights are back at the Watertown Police Station. The events, which are presented by the Watertown Police and Recreation departments, feature other activities and food. Here are the details:

Watertown Elementary students can bring your friends and family for a night of fun and excitement during the movies hosted by the Watertown Police and Recreation Departments on Friday, July 15 when the movie will be Zootopia , and Friday, Aug. 19 from 6:30-10 p.m. (movie TBA). The festivities will be held outside in the park at 552 Main St., behind the police statio.

Fire Department

Fire Department Getting Equipment that Can Save Your Life & Theirs

By |

Watertown’s firefighters just finished training on two new pieces of equipment, one which could save a patient’s life and another that could save a firefighter. 

The first piece of equipment, the Physio-Control LUCAS 2 Chest Compression System, goes around someone whose heart has stopped beating, and does automatic chest compressions. “It does 102 compressions per minute,” said Crystal Perry, sales representative and trainer for Physio-Control, which makes the equipment. Once the equipment is put into place, firefighters can do other treatment, or carry a person out of a house. “That’s what this is perfect for – going down the stairs or in an elevator,” a firefighter said during the training. “You don’t have to stop and do compressions.”