Break-Ins

Police Warn Residents to Lock Windows After Pair of Break-ins

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Two Watertown homes were broken into recently, both while residents were home. The first break-in took place on July 15 at 9:49 p.m. on Garfield Street. About two hours later, at 11:48 p.m., a home on Barnard Avenue was broken into. Watertown Police seek information and surveillance footage from residents of those areas. Police also warn that residents should be sure to secure their homes, saying “Please be reminded to lock your doors & windows (even second floor).”

Fireworks

Watertown Police, Fire Departments Warn About Using Fireworks

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JL Johnson, https://www.flickr.com/photos/user47/Fireworks

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Watertown Public Safety Announcement: Please leave fireworks to the professionals this summer! 

Massachusetts Fireworks Law MGL Chapter 148, S. 39

It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts, or to purchase them legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state. • Fine for possession or use of fireworks between $10-$100

• Up to a $1,000 fine for the sale of fireworks

Fireworks (including sparklers) are not safe, especially around children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of over 1,800° Fahrenheit! 

Children under age 5 are likely to suffer the worst burn injuries caused by sparklers. We need your help to prevent unnecessary injuries, house fires, property damage, and traumatic experiences for many children, pets, active military, veterans, and other residents. If you have any information on fireworks or to report firework activity, please call the Watertown Police Department at 617-972-6500.

Around Town

Watch Out for Home Repair Scams, City Officials Warn

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The following information was provided by the City of Watertown:

A busy home repair season is once again upon the City of Watertown. And with that comes the return of predatory home repair contractor practices. There can be various approaches – a knock on the door unannounced and an offer of cheap services or perhaps information that your home is in dangerous disrepair and needs work done right away. Or they may let you know that they have just finished a job in the area and have extra materials and will happily do a quick project for you. 

They will emphasize that they must start immediately and will sort everything out later. And they will want a deposit – frequently, a sizable deposit.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn Retires, Enjoyed His Career Even With Recent Challenges

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Charlie BreitroseRetired Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn bids farewell to one of the officers he worked with over his 33-year career. Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn left the only full-time job he has ever had after more than three decades, and said he still enjoyed coming to work everyday even after the challenges of the last few years. On June 3, 2022, Lawn finished the final day of his 33 year career with the Watertown Police Department. When he joined the WPD at the age of 22, he always planned to retire when he was still young enough to do something else. “When everyone was going to the Cape on the weekends when I was 22 I was patrolling the streets of Watertown,” Lawn said.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Captain to Serve as Provisional Chief

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Watertown PoliceThomas Rocca has been named the Provisional Police Chief beginning June 4, 2022. The City of Watertown announced the appointment of a provisional Police Chief who will lead the department after Chief Michael Lawn retires until a new chief is appointed. The City sent out the following statement:

“Congratulations to Captain Thomas F. Rocca for being appointed to the position of Provisional Police Chief, effective Saturday, June 4, 2022, until such time as a Permanent Police Chief is selected.”

Police/Fire

Still Time to Register for Sunday’s Watertown Police Finish Strong 5K Run/Walk

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Those interested in taking part in the Watertown Police Department’s Finish Strong 5K Run and Walk can still register. The event begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 22. The Watertown Police Finish Strong 5k Run/Walk begins and finishes at City Works, in Arsenal Yards, 91 Arsenal Yards Blvd. in Watertown. The course is fast and fairly flat 3.1 miles (5 km), and there will be prizes for the top male/female finishers plus various age categories.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn Announces His Retirement

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Charlie BreitroseWatertown Police Chief Michael Lawn. Chief Michael Lawn will be retiring in early June after six years leading the Watertown Police Department and 32 years working for the WPD. On April 19, Lawn sent a letter to acting Town Manager Tom Tracy informing him of his decision to retire on June 3, 2022. “I started my career with the WPD on October 30, 1989. I have enjoyed my thirty-two plus years working for the WPD and serving the City of Watertown where I grew up,” the letter reads.

Around Town

Watertown Police Selling Patches for Autism Awareness Month

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Police Department:

The WPD is proud and excited to be joining several other Massachusetts Police Departments in partnering with the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and to honor this, we will be selling our newly created Watertown Police Autism Acceptance Patches. One hundred percent of all proceeds will be directly donated to the Flutie Foundation. There are several ways to purchase our patches and help support this awesome foundation:

1. Stop by our front window anytime through April 30th and buy a patch, cash, or check accepted.