Bob Quinn

Watertown Fire Chief Retires After Short, but Eventful Tenure

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn retired after 35 years on the WFD, serving the last 4.5 years as chief. Here he is speaking to City Councilor Lisa Feltner at his retirement party at the Watertown Fire Headquarters. Fire Chief Bob Quinn headed into retirement at the end of April having helped modernize the Watertown Fire Department, pushed for increased firefighter safety, and endured the deaths of two close colleagues. On April 29, 35 years to the day after he became a firefighter Quinn retired as Watertown Fire Chief. A celebration was held in the engine bay at Watertown Fire Headquarters, instead of at a hall or restaurant, because Quinn said he wanted to bring back an old tradition.

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.

Around Town

Plaques Unveiled to Remember Five Firefighters Who Lost Their Lives Serving Watertown

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Charlie BreitroseThe memorial plaques for the five Watertown Firefighters who died in the line of duty are unveiled by Watertown firefighters Rob Mannix, left, and Paul LaFauci on April 13, 2022. David Morrill, far left, attended the ceremony on the 63rd anniversary of his father Charles’ death. Five Watertown Firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty will have a permanent place at the Watertown Fire Headquarters. Each was memorialized with a plaque placed on the front of the building. The Watertown Fire Department unveiled the plaques to Willard Streeter, Gilbert Nichols, Ernest Ford, Charles Morrill and Joseph Toscano on Wednesday afternoon.

Police/Fire

Watertown Firefighters Douse Porch Fire That Extended into Home

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A fire struck a home on Riverside Street on Sunday, damaging a porch and part of an apartment. The Watertown Fire Department got a fire alarm at 3:30 p.m. on March 27 from a six-unit building on Riverside Street. They received reports of smoke in the basement. “Members of Group 2 extinguished a small fire on the rear porch, which was extending to the building. No injuries were reported and no residents were displaced,” said the fire report from the Watertown Fire Department.

Around Town

Five Years Later, Memory of Fallen Watertown Firefighter Lives in Colleagues’ Hearts

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Firefighters place a wreath at the memorial to Joseph Toscano, who died fighting a fire five years ago. March 17, 2017 was one of the darkest days for the Watertown Fire Department. They lost a beloved colleague, Joseph Toscano, during the aftermath of a fire on Merrifield Avenue. On Thursday, Watertown Firefighters showed up in large numbers to remember Joe on the fifth anniversary of his death. Current and former WFD personnel, on-duty and off, lined up several rows deep at the corner of Merrifield and Bigelow avenues at the time of his passing to salute Toscano.

Police/Fire

Firefighters, Police, Others Honored for Saving Girl’s Life, 3 Firefighters Sworn In

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Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Firefighters, Police, and civilian employees who helped save the life of 11-year-old Rachel Patterson, pose with the Patterson family. Several awards were presented at a ceremony on Oct. 18. A dozen people received awards for their part in saving the life of a girl in July who was not breathing. Also during the ceremony the three newest members of the Watertown Fire Department officially received their badges.

9/11

Watertown Remembers 9/11 at Ceremony, Reflects on the Events of 20 Years Ago

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Firefighters salute during the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Watertown Fire Station on the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Each year since the attacks on the World Trade Center took the lives of hundreds of firefighters, the Watertown Fire Department has honored the sacrifices made on Sept. 11, 2001. This year, which marked the 20th anniversary, the ceremony drew dozens of people, who lined the sidewalk in front of the Watertown Fire Headquarters on Main Street.

Around Town

Watertown Fire Department to Hold 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on 20th Anniversary

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The Watertown Fire Department will mark the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 on Saturday at the Main Fire Station. The Town of Watertown sent out the following information about the ceremony:

The Watertown Fire Department will be conducting a brief remembrance ceremony for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 9:55 a.m. at Fire Station Headquarters, 99 Main St., Watertown, MA. Everyone is welcome to attend. Plan of Events

9:55 a.m. – Apparatus roll out of bays to appropriate location in front of station.