Government

Watertown Firefighters Getting Second Set of Gear to Improve Safety, Ladder Truck Approved

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Watertown firefighters will get a second set of turnout gear to wear on shifts when they respond to a fire. The Fire Department will also be getting a new ladder truck. The Town Council approved a purchase that Watertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn hopes will keep members of the Fire Department healthy and safe. Tuesday night, the Council approved $176,000 to be spent on a second set of turnout gear for the Watertown Fire Department. “Cancer is a significant concern for firefighters, and by adding a second set of turnout gear it helps create a healthier, safer environment for members of the Watertown Fire Department,” Quinn said.

Fire Department

Powerful Thunderstorm Floods School & Streets, Knocks Down Tree in Watertown

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A thunderstorm that hit Watertown Wednesday afternoon caused flooding and other damage. A strong thunderstorm caused chaos which rolled through Watertown late Wednesday afternoon, flooding part of a school, streets and knocking over a tree. The storm cell hit Watertown at about 5:30 p.m. and with several lightning bolts in the area and dumping heavy rain on town, causing flooding in some areas. Flooding was reported around Watertown, including causing water to come into the gymnasium at Cunniff Elementary School on the Westside of town. Street flooding was reported nearby on Warren at Chapman Street, where as much as a foot of water was reported by first responders on the scene, according to scanner reports.

Fire Awards

Watertown Fire Chief Awards Fire, Police Personnel for Saving a Life

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Members of the Watertown Fire Department, Police Department and emergency dispatchers received awards on Friday for the work they did helping to save a man from choking. Watertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn announced the awards during a ceremony where the Fire Department also swore in new firefighters and officially promoted two others. On the evening of Dec. 7, 2018, a call came in for a man with an obstructed airway at Conley’s Pub & Grill on Belmont Street. “Upon arrival, Engine 2 encountered a very crowded restaurant and was able to make contact with the male patient,” Quinn said.

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

Watertown Fire Department’s New Drone Will be Used Before, After Fires

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The following information was provided by the Waterotwn Fire Department:

Good Afternoon,

I’m writing to announce that the Watertown Fire Department now operates a DJI Inspire 1 drone. The small unmanned aerial system will be used for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, pre-fire planning, inspections, search and rescue, fireground situational awareness, damage assessment and fire investigation. The drone was acquired with funding from a FM Global grant award worth $4,625 in the summer of 2017. After overcoming some roadblocks due to our proximity to Logan Airport’s Class B airspace, we are pleased to announce that we have been cleared to operate the drone safely and according to the FAA’s stringent regulations. The drone provides added capability to our department.

2 Alarm Fire

Firefighters Douse 2 Alarm Fire in East End of Watertown

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Firefighters put out a blaze broke out in a small commercial building off of Arlington Street in the East End of Watertown Tuesday. The Watertown Fire Department called a second alarm for the fire that occurred on Clarendon Street near Berkeley Street. The fire started when a pole with a transformer fell on a car and set it on fire, the owner of the business that caught fire, Crossfit Arsenal, told Channel 7 News. Attempts to put put out the fire were delayed by the live wires lying on the cars. First reports of the fire occurred on Twitter at about 5 p.m., and according to the Fire radio, the fire was knocked down and contained by about 5:40 p.m.

The building appears to be a one-story commercial building.

Police/Fire

Watertown Fire Department Welcomes New Firefighter, Bids Farewell to Another

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The Watertown Fire Department announced the hiring of a new firefighter, and the retirement of a veteran member of the department. The Watertown Fire Department had a welcome announcement for its newest member:
Please join us in congratulating Firefighter Olivia Winsor who was sworn in today as Watertown’s newest Firefighter/ Paramedic. Firefighter Winsor will work two weeks of days as an orientation before being assigned to a shift. Winsor was also welcomed by the Town Manager:
Town Manager Michael J. Driscoll has appointed Ms. Olivia C. Winsor as a firefighter for the Town of Watertown effective Sunday, August 19, 2018. We congratulate Firefighter Winsor and wish her well as she begins her career with the Watertown Fire Department.

Police/Fire

Three from Watertown Graduate from Mass. Firefighting Academy

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Three of Watertown’s newest firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy on Friday. 

Watertown Provisional Fire Chief Robert Quinn announced the graduation of Anthony Tomao, Daniel Russo and Taylor Davis from the academy in Stow. “The Department is happy to have these firefighters trained and back at the station working to serve the citizens of Watertown,” Quinn said. The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy sent out the following information:

State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy
Director David C. Evans announced the graduation of the 263rd class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s 50-day Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program on May 11, 2018. “This rigorous professional training provides our newest firefighters with the basic
skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely,” said State Fire Marshal Peter J.
Ostroskey. The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA), a division of the Department of Fire Services, offers this program tuition-free.