Police/Fire

Watertown’s Fire Chief Thanks Family, Fellow Firefighters During Swearing-in Ceremony

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Watertown Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson was sworn in by City Clerk Janet Murphy. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown’s new Fire Chief had plenty of people to thank during his swearing-in ceremony, but Ryan Nicholson made sure not to be the sole focus of the event at the Commander’s Mansion on Tuesday afternoon. “I’m incredibly humble to be able to address this group today as the Watertown Fire Department’s eighth permanent fire chief,” he said Tuesday. “I am also excited to announce the promotion of five of our men, and celebrate the appointment of seven firefighters.” City Manager George Proakis has gotten to know Nicholson, having worked together since Proakis arrived in Watertown in August 2022.

Police/Fire

Nicholson Fulfills Promise in Becoming Watertown’s Fire Chief, Has Plans for Department

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Ryan Nicholson has been appointed Watertown’s new Fire Chief. (Photo Courtesy of Ryan Nicholson)

After more than a year leading the Watertown Fire Department, Ryan Nicholson officially became Fire Chief on July 17. He has plans for the department, and seeks to continue efforts started by Fire Chiefs who came before him. Firefighting runs in Nicholson’s family, and often visited fire stations when he was young. He credits his uncle, Michael, who encouraged him to aim high when he joined the Fire Department in 2006.

Police/Fire

Watertown’s New Fire Chief Appointed by City Manager

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Photo by Watertown Fire DepartmentRyan Nicholson has been named Watertown’s new Fire Chief. Here he is shown when he was appointed Assistant Fire Chief. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is pleased to announce the appointment Ryan Nicholson as the new Fire Chief for the City of Watertown. Chief Nicholson brings 17 years of experience to the Watertown Fire Department. As Chief, he will oversee approximately 90 sworn and civilian staff, providing fire and emergency response services spanning four groups with an annual operating budget of approximately $13 million.

Around Town

Watertown Fire Department Names Provisional Fire Chief

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Watertown Fire DepartmentWatertown Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson. The City of Watertown announced that Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson will lead the Watertown Fire Department until the next Fire Chief is named. The City of Watertown sent out the following statement:

“Many congratulations to Assistant Chief Ryan Nicholson, who has been appointed to the position of Provisional Fire Chief, effective Sunday, May 1, 2022, until a Permanent Fire Chief is selected.” Watertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn announced he will be retiring at the end of April. Nicholson became the WFD’s first Assistant Fire Chief in September 2020.

Police/Fire

Watertown Assistant Fire Chief Accredited by Mass. Fire Service Commission

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Watertown Fire DepartmentWatertown Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson. The following information was provided by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission:

The Massachusetts Fire Service Commission granted accreditation to Assistant Chief Ryan Nicholson of the Watertown Fire Department on March 18, 2021 who has demonstrated the required fire service experience, education, and certifications for accreditation. This accreditation is granted through the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission, a gubernatorial appointed board that has established a process for uniform credentialing for the level of fire chief. Palmer Fire Chief Alan Roy, who serves as chair of the commission says, “The program establishes requirements based on education, training, and experience in areas relevant to serving as fire chief. It establishes benchmarks for training in fire and emergency service management so that chiefs may be better prepared to serve their department and their community.” The applicant’s documentation is reviewed by a subcommittee of the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission to determine if the individual has attained a minimum level of credits for education, training, and experience.

Assistant Fire Chief

Watertown Fire Department Appoints New Assistant Chief

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The Watertown Fire Department’s newly created assistant fire chief position has been filled by a 14-year veteran of the WFD who hopes build connections with residents and serve the community well. On Monday, Ryan Nicholson began his new role as assistant fire chief. He was promoted recently from deputy fire chief. He said he will be assisting Fire Chief Bob Quinn with some administrative duties, as well as working on outreach to the community. “I’m excited to get started,” Nicholson said.

Police/Fire

Firefighters Extinguish Fire in Unoccupied Watertown Home

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Watertown Firefighters responded to a fire that broke out in an unoccupied home on Friday night. The call reporting the fire came in just after 11 p.m. on Aug. 25, said Watertown Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson

“Upon arrival we could see fire on the second floor. At that time I ordered a Working Fire,” Nicholson said. “The building was being rehabbed and was unoccupied, which we confirmed with a search.”

Police/Fire

Watertown Deputy Fire Chief Graduates from Management Training Program

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Watertown Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson, second from left, at the graduation of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program. Watertown Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson recently graduated Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program. Attendees of the 14-week program learned about the management fire departments not related to fire-suppression. As part of the course, Nicholson had to write a research paper that identified a problem or challenge facing the Watertown Fire Department in which he proposed a solution. He then had to present the proposal to be considered by a panel of municipal officials.