Around Town

OBIT: Robert McElroy, 71, Retired Watertown Police Lieutenant, Air Force Veteran

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Robert “Bob” McElroy

Robert J. “Bob” McElroy of Millis, formerly of Watertown died on January 26, 2019 at the age of 71. McElroy retired as a lieutenant in the Watertown Police Department. He served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam. Beloved husband of Virginia “Ginger” (Burgess) McElroy. Loving & devoted father of Ashley M. Bailey & her husband Brent H. of San Diego, Madeline “Maddie” A. McElroy of Millis, and the late Brendan J. McElroy.

Police/Fire

Four Watertown Firefighters Promoted, Including New Deputy Chief

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Four Watertown firefighters receive promotions recently, including to the second highest rank on the department — deputy chief. Since the passing of Watertown Fire Chief Mario Orangio, the Fire Department has had only three full-time deputy chiefs and an acting one. Recently, Watertown Town Manager announced the promotion of Capt. Ryan Nicholson to the position of Deputy Fire Chief. Nicholson had been serving as the WFD’s Staff Service Officer. Promotions of a captain and two lieutenants were also announced.

Police/Fire

Three Watertown Men Indicted on Drug Charges by Middlesex Grand Jury

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A grand jury indicted three Watertown men on drug-related charges, Middlesex District Attorney Marin Ryan’s office announced. The three men — Dominic Davis, Akeem Mapp, and James Paul — were arrested in June after a joint investigation by the Watertown Police and the Suburban Middlesex County Drug Task Force. Their home was raided by a NEMLEC SWAT team. The raid found cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy (MDMA), Ketamine, marijuana, three firearms, and approximately $10,000 in cash. This week, the Middlesex DA’s office announced the indictments from Nov.

Police/Fire

Fire in Commercial Building Caused by Lint Fire in Dryer

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A fire that caused smoke damage to a building on School Street in Watertown started in a dryer at the business, fire officials said. On Jan. 18, 2019, a passerby spotted black smoke coming from the business at 111 School Street and alerted Watertown Fire and Police departments at about 8:14 p.m.

The Watertown Fire Department responded, and discovered a fire in DMB Linens. Firefighters extinguished the fire and limited the fire damage to a pair of commercial dryers. Smoke damage, however, extended through the entire building, according to a report from the Watertown Fire Department.

Around Town

Watertown Makes Top 100 Safest Cities in America List

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The Charles River from Watertown Square

A survey of communities around the United States found that Watertown was the 91st safest city in America, according to a recently released report. The NeighborhoodScout website’s survey looked at the likelihood of someone being the victim of a crime. Watertown was the 91st safest city with a the chance of being the victim of a crime 1 in 95. The study looked at cities of 25,000 or more people, based on the total number of property and violent crimes per 1,000 residents. Crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.

In the top spot was Lake in the Hills, Ill., with a 1 in 333 chance of being the victim of a crime.

Police/Fire

Police Find Drugs on Driver Found Passed Out at Wheel

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A Watertown man faces several charges, including drug possession, following an arrest that started when he was found passed out behind the wheel of a running vehicle. On Jan. 9, 2019, at 5:11 p.m., Watertown Police received a call about a vehicle blocking the intersection of Ralph Street and Grant Avenue. When officers arrived they saw a man passed out behind the wheel of a Ford F-250 pickup truck with the motor running and in gear, said Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor. “It took several attempts banging on the window and yelling and he did not respond,” O’Connor said.