Watertown Fire Department
Firefighter Joseph Toscano, a 21-year veteran of the Watertown Fire Department, died Friday after collapsing during a fire.
The family of fallen Watertown firefighter Joseph Toscano remembered him as a loving father, a generous man and a master craftsman.
The Toscano family released a statement Friday. The 21-year veteran of the Watertown Fire Department leaves behind his wife and five children, who were “the center of his life.”
“Our family is devastated by the loss we suffered today as our loving husband and father was taken from us suddenly while responding to a fire. Joe took immense pride and joy in being a husband to Maureen, his wife of 25 years, and dad to Alyssa, Patrick, Mary Cate, William and Michael,” the statement reads. “This is an unthinkable loss for our family. Joe’s loving spirit will be with us forever.”
Toscano loved being a Watertown firefighter, the statement said, and he had other passions.
“Joe was a master craftsman. He built the home he shared with his family with his own hands. A gourmet chef, Joe was known for his pizzas and his special mussels dish and was the unofficial Watertown Fire Station chef,” the statement said.
Toscano also dedicated himself to good causes.
“He was a dedicated and energetic volunteer at Incarnation Camp of Connecticut, which he attended as a child and worked at as an adult for nearly four decades,” the statement said.
Many paid tribute to Toscano, including Gov. Charlie Baker.
“Our Commonwealth is grateful for the incredible service and dedication of our first responders who go above and beyond to keep our communities safe and I am heartbroken to learn of the loss of Firefighter Toscano,” Baker said. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and the Watertown Fire Department during this difficult time.”
Watertown State Rep. John Lawn said on Twitter: My thoughts and prayers are with the family and colleagues of the fallen Watertown firefighter.
His fellow firefighters and town officials remembered Toscano on Friday at a press conference at the Watertown Fire Station where he worked most of his career. Read more here.
Firefighters Honor Toscano
Firefighters stood out to pay respects to Toscano when his body was moved from Mount Auburn Hospital to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Boston on Saturday morning. The procession arrived at about 8:45 a.m. and was greeted by a group of firefighters.
The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.