Police/Fire

Watertown Fire Department Seeking Transfers to Fill Openings for Paramedics

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The Watertown Fire Department has added a new strategy to fill openings for paramedics — hiring candidates who transfer from other departments. Traditionally, Watertown hires people off the Civil Service Exam list, said Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson, but recently the WFD put out a call for lateral transfers from other departments. The Fire Department has several openings after the City Council approved funding to run a second Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance. “We are looking for transfers now, because paramedics are becoming increasingly difficult to hire,” Nicholson said. “So we’re doing the standard route that we’ve used before, and calling for the list from Civil Service.

Police/Fire

Watertown Man Faces Charges of Illegal Possession of Firearms

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Watertown Police arrested a man for illegal possession of firearms after executing a search warrant of his home. On May 27, Watertown Police executed a search warrant at an apartment on Dexter Avenue after receiving a tip of possible illegal firearm sales, according to a statement from the Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan. “As a result of the investigation, two illegal firearms were recovered, and Melvin Solis-Romero was placed under arrest,” the statement reads. The investigation was conducted by Sgt. Mike Martino, Officer Colton Bailey and Officer Andrew DiDuca.

Schools

WHS Grad Night Tradition — All Night Party — Continues, Volunteers Needed

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The All Night Party provides a substance free place for seniors to get together on graduation night. Volunteers do much of the set up, and chaperoning. The following piece was provided by the Watertown High School PTSO:

For decades, Watertown High School seniors have celebrated their graduation at the All Night Party, a cherished tradition organized by the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO). This event is a labor of love for parents, teachers, and community members who dedicate their time and resources to create a memorable and safe celebration for the graduates. The All Night Party provides a substance-free environment for seniors to gather and celebrate together one last time.

Schools

Q&A: WHS Principal Joel Giacobozzi Shares About His Love for the School, Watertown & Construction

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Watertown High School Principal Joel Giacobozzi

When someone tells you they have the best job in the world, you might be skeptical. Sit down and speak with Watertown High School Principal Joel Giacobozzi for a few minutes, however, and it quickly becomes clear that he truly has deep passion and love for WHS and the whole community. So much so he said he wished he grew up here. These days, the high school is just half of his job. Giacobozzi has served as the interim principal at Watertown Middle School for a year and half, while in the meantime leading WHS at the temporary campus, and being part of the team overseeing the construction of the new high school building.

Around Town

Memorial Day Speaker Says it is Critical to Remember the Sacrifices of Veterans & for All Citizens to Participate in Decisions of War & Peace

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Watertown veterans presented the colors during the 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

After a parade featuring youth sports teams, bands, the Watertown Police and Fire Department, and many more, a newish Watertown resident who devoted his career to military service and military intelligence spoke about the importance of Memorial Day and what all citizens can do to preserve the memories of those who died serving their country. This year, the keynote speaker at Watertown’s Memorial Day Ceremony, held Monday at Victory Field, was Ret. Col. J.D. Williams, who served in the Marine Corps from 1978-2004 as an intelligence officer.

Business

A Pair of New Food & Drink Options Open for Memorial Day Weekend

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Watertown has two new places to grab a drink and something to eat, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. One is a pub in the West End, and the other is the newest location for a local brewery and the newest addition to Arsenal Yards. West on Main announced on social media that it was opening on Thursday, May 22. “It’s time!!! The wait is finally over – West on Main is opening its doors!

Around Town

Community Foundation’s Food Drive Delivers Cart Loads of Items to Watertown’s Two Food Pantries

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Tia Tison, Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation and WCF Co-President Lauren Coughlin Unsworth push a cart of food into the Watertown Food Pantry. (Courtesy of the Watertown Community Foundation)

The two food pantries in Watertown received a special delivery of supplies courtesy of donations made by the Watertown community during the Watertown Community Foundation’s Food Drive. The collection took place during May, which is the Foundation’s annual month of volunteering called Watertown Helps Out — or WHO. The food was delivered Thursday afternoon to the Watertown Food Pantry, located in the former United Methodist Church, and the Watertown Catholic Collaborative Food Pantry, located the Sacred Heart Church, made Thursday afternoon, said Tia Tilson, Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation. “We delivered food to both pantries, unloading roughly six full grocery carts at each pantry,” Tilson said.

Around Town

Watertown Man Supports Group that Helps Children Who Have Lost a Parent Through His Employer’s Charity

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Watertown’s Jay Hughes presented a check to Cara Belvin, founder of Empower. The money was from the charity run by Movement Mortgage, where Hughes works. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

A dozen years ago, Watertown’s Jay Hughes met a woman who started a non-profit organization to help young women who had lost their mothers by giving them a special day on Mother’s Day. Hughes was the emcee of an auction in Scituate for Cara Belvin’s organization, Empower. The event raised more than $30,000 and got Belvin’s effort moving toward what it is now — a group that has an impact internationally.