Entertainment

Watertown Police Hosting National Night Out — Movie, Games, Food & Demonstrations

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Families are invited to the Watertown Police Department’s National Night Out on Aug. 4, where there will be a movie, food, bounce houses, police dog demos, and more. See details provided by the WPD, below. Join the Watertown Police Department and the Watertown Recreation Department for a free, fun-filled community celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, from 5-8 p.m, followed by a movie beginning at 8 p.m.

Come down to the Watertown Police Department at 552 Main St.

Elections

Watertown Police Unions Endorse Candidate for Middlesex District Attorney

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David Solet

The following announcement was provided by the David Solet for Middlesex District Attorney Campaign:

Two Watertown Police Unions announced July 22 that they have endorsed David Solet, a veteran trial attorney and 2025 Middlesex County Prosecutor of the Year, to replace current District Attorney Marian Ryan, citing fundamental differences in their approach to pursuing justice and protecting the residents of Middlesex County. The Watertown Superiors Police Association and the Watertown Police Patrol Association noted that Solet would crack down on illegal gun trafficking, prioritize the prosecution of repeat violent offenders, and fight for changes to close loopholes in state laws that jeopardize public safety. The two unions join 25 other public safety unions and organizations across Middlesex County — including the Cambridge, Somerville, Lowell, and Framingham Police Associations — endorsing Solet in his bid to unseat the 13-year incumbent in the Sept. 1 Democratic primary. Lt. Wayne Hoiseth, President of the Watertown Superiors Association, said: “In our line of work, trust is everything.

Government

Bodywork Businesses Shutdown by City, One Had “Items of Sexual Nature”

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The Watertown Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Watertown Police Department, Zoning & Code Enforcement Team, Inspectional Services Division, and with assistance from the FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation — Human Trafficking Task Force, conducted inspections of bodywork establishments in Watertown on July 22, 2026, resulting in closure of multiple businesses due to violations of the City’s rules and regulations. These inspections were carried out in accordance with the City of Watertown’s rules and regulations governing bodywork with the goal of ensuring compliance to safeguard residents and businesses in Watertown, as well as protect against human trafficking. This joint operation was conducted at four establishments, resulting in all locations being shut down. One of the locations, Thai Body Spa (12 Belmont St.), was shut down due to items of sexual nature present, no Certificate of Occupancy, and no bodywork permit. The other three locations were closed down for failing to acquire appropriate certifications, including a Certificate of Occupancy and/or bodywork permit.

Government

Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee

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The Watertown Police Department is considering purchasing a drone like this one made by Paladin Drones (Photo from Paladin)

An automated drone is one of the new technologies being considered by the Watertown Police Department. On July 9, the City Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing to ask questions and hear from the public about the possible use of a drone. The Police Department’s request to have a drone came up in May at a budget hearing. The drone being considered by the Watertown Police is made by Paladin Drones, and would cost $24,000 to purchase, plus an annual cost of $49,000. Paladin’s drones are use solely by public safety agencie, and the company currently works with 115 communities.

Government

Police Drone to be Discussed by City Council’s Public Safety Committee

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The prospect of the Watertown Police Department using a drone will be discussed at the City Council’s Committee on Public Safety on July 9. The drone, which costs $49,396, would be dispatched to an area where a crime or incident like an auto accident is reported. It would be able to get anywhere in town in two minutes, which is faster than the typical response time for a police officer in a cruiser, Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan told the City Council in March. The drone can fly automatically to a location, and can also be overridden and controlled manually. The drone would be dispatched from the Watertown 911 Center, and would not go out to every reported incident, Hanrahan said.

Schools

Students, Families Formed “Bike Bus” to Get to Hosmer School This Spring

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A group of Hosmer Elementary School students met at Casey Park on Fridays this Spring to form a Bike Bus and ride to school. (Contributed Photo)

During the spring, a group of students and their families rode their bicycles from the Southside to Hosmer Elementary School, forming what became known as the Bike Bus. The first Bike Bus took place on May 1, and continued every Friday (weather permitting) and concluded on Thursday, June 18 before the Juneteenth holiday. “The kids would start at Casey Park and make multiple stops along their way to Hosmer to pick up more friends,” said Maureen Schrader. “This all stemmed from Jennifer Beatty’s son, Rory, wanting to ride his bike to school.”

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Announce Promotions to Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant

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Three Watertown Police officers received promotions: Mark Lewis, far left, Ken Swift, second from right, and Joseph Farrar, far right. They are pictured with Police Chief Justin Hanrahan, center, and City Manager George Proakis, second from left. (Courtesy of Watertown Police)

Three Watertown Police officers received promotions this week during a ceremony at the Watertown Police Station. See more details in the announcement from the WPD, below. Chief Justin Hanrahan is pleased to announce the promotions of Kenneth Swift to Captain, Mark Lewis to Lieutenant, and Joseph Farrar to Sergeant, effective Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Government

New Middle School Moves a Step Closer to Reality; Council Approves Funds for Parks Projects

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A vision of what a new Watertown Middle School could look like created by Ai3 Architects and presented to the School Committee in October 2025. The possibility of building a new Middle School in Watertown moved a step closer to becoming a reality at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. The Council also approved funding for projects at City parks, the library, Police Station, and for Watertown’s Treaty Day celebration. On June 9, the Council approved a $3 million transfer of funds from the Middle School Stabilization Fund to pay for the design development of a possible Middle School. City Manager George Proakis stressed that the Council is still deciding whether or not to proceed with the project.