Police/Fire

Watertown Police Department Welcomes Newest Officer

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New Watertown Police Officer Francis Yannizzi is sworn in by City Clerk Noelle Gilligan. (Photo by WPD)

The Watertown Police Department welcomed its newest officer on July 11, 2025. See the announcement posted on the WPD social media below. The Watertown Police Department proudly swore in Officer Francis Yannizzi as the newest member of our team. Officer Yannizzi brings 13 years of law enforcement experience to Watertown, having previously served with the Massachusetts Port Authority Police Department.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Driver Faces OUI Charge After Hit and Run, Shoplifter Busted

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. July 10: A Pleasant Street resident received emails from Best Buy and Target saying that he had signed up for credit cards from the stores, but he had not opened them. Someone purchased Apple Air iPods from a Target in Massachusetts on the card. The resident was able to cancel the cards and is not sure how someone got his information. July 11: A woman was shopping at Target around 8 p.m. on July 10 and placed her phone in the child seat of a shopping carriage when she went through self checkout.

Government

State Rep. Lawn Says “I am Deeply Sorry” After OUI Arrest

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State Rep. John Lawn

Watertown’s John Lawn, State Representative for the westside of Watertown, said “I am deeply sorry,” in a statement following his arrest on Wednesday for driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of property damage. Lawn pleaded not guilty at an arraignment in Boston Municipal Court Thursday, and was released on personal recognizance, according to a report by NBC 10 Boston, and will return for a pretrial hearing on Aug. 1. On Wednesday, Lawn sent a statement through his attorney saying, “I deeply regret and take full responsibility for my actions. What happened was completely unacceptable.

Police/Fire

Police Officers, Dispatcher Commended for Saving a Worker’s Life

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Watertown Police announced a special recognition for officers and a dispatcher who helped a man who suffered a serious injury after getting his arm caught in a machine. A 911 call was placed on July 9 at about 10:15 a.m. for a serious medical emergency at a business on Grove Street. “The caller, who was highly distraught, reported that a worker’s arm had become caught in a machine, resulting in a severe injury,” said the announcement from Watertown Police. Dispatcher Jessica Scully, “expertly calmed the caller, gathered critical details, and provided life-saving first aid instructions over the phone, including application of a tourniquet,” the announcement said. The Watertown Fire Department and EMS were called to the scene.

Around Town

Seniors Hear About Fire Department’s Paramedic Services at Coffee with the Chiefs

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Watertown Firefighters Tony Caruso and Katie Boudreau demonstrate paramedic services at the Coffee with the Chiefs with the Senior City. (Contributed Photo)

By Alison Clapp

As many of you may be aware, there was an effort in the town to approve a second ambulance for the Fire Department. Tuesday, April 29th the City Council’s Committee on Budget & Fiscal Oversight took up the proposal which had strong support from many residents including a broad group of seniors. The case for a second ambulance was based both on the increased demand for the current ambulance based out of the Orchard Street station and response time when waiting for a contracted private ambulance to arrive at calls. The Council approved the request in mid-May which means the addition of eight firefighter/paramedics to staff a second ambulance.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Announce July’s Officer of the Month

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Officer Colton Bailey

The Watertown Police Department named the Officer of the Month for July 2025. See details in the WPD’s announcement below. Please join us in congratulating Officer Colton Bailey, who has been named the Watertown Police Department’s Officer of the Month for July. Officer Bailey has consistently demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and leadership while serving on C Platoon. Known for his proactive work ethic and commitment to public safety, he also serves as a mentor to newer officers, helping to build their skills and confidence.

Police/Fire

Four Arrested in by Watertown Police in Shoplifting Sting

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The Watertown Police Department ran a saturation patrol on Thursday focusing on stores often hit by shoplifters. The operation was one of a series of stings focused on shoplifting going back to April 2024. The WPD sent out the following announcement:

On June 26, 2025, Watertown Police conducted a saturation patrol operation at Arenal Yards and the Watertown Mall in an effort to prevent shoplifting. The operation resulted in four individuals being taken into custody on shoplifting-related charges, while one person was issued a trespassing order. The Watertown Police were assisted by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, the Suburban Middlesex County Drug Task Force, and store loss prevention personnel.