Government

Watertown Police Could Get Drone; Department is Nearly Fully Staffed; Officer’s Will Get AI App

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A drone will likely be the latest high-tech addition to the Watertown Police Department, but the City Council had questions about where data collected will be stored and who will have access. Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan described the budget request during the May 6 Fiscal Year 2027 budget hearing. He also talked about staffing and a new AI program that will be used by WPD officers. The drone, which costs $49,396, would be dispatched to an area where a crime or incident like an auto accident is reported, Hanrahan said. “You can get to pretty much anywhere in the City in two minutes, and it’ll give us real time live feed of what’s taking place,” Hanrahan said.

Around Town

Watertown Police Holding Rape Aggression Defense Classes

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The following information came from the Watertown Police Department:

The Watertown Police Department is offering the R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Women’s Self-Defense Program from June 8-11, 2026, at 5:30-8:30 p.m.

This program is open to women ages 18 and older and includes hands-on self-defense training focused on risk awareness, prevention, and realistic physical defense techniques. Participants will learn practical tactics and concepts designed to build confidence and personal safety awareness. Registration is now open! To register, call 617-600-1306 or email WPDtraining@police.watertown-ma.gov

Police/Fire

Police Log: Online Loan Scam, Construction Vehicle Missing, Small Fire

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. April 28: A resident was trying to get a loan from an online lender. He had received loans from the company before, but this time was rejected. Soon he received offers from other companies. He attempted to borrow $790 and was asked to provide online banking information and the login credentials.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Multiple Shoplifters Arrested, Fake Trial Scam Costs $14K and Illegal Dumpings

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. April 12: A woman took $213 worth of merchandise from CVS on Mt. Auburn Street, and was seen leaving in a black Mercedes. April 13: Multiple pieces of furniture and a mattress were left in the dumpster at the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. April 13: A resident received a letter from Cambridge Savings Bank about a new bank account opened in the person’s name.

Around Town

You’re Invited to Raider’s Birthday Party, the WPD’s Comfort Dog is Turning 2

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Raider, the Watertown Police Department’s comfort dog when he was a puppy, with Officer Anna Margaryan. (Courtesy of the City of Watertown)

Raider, the Watertown Police Department’s comfort dog, will be celebrating his second birthday, and the public is invited to the party. See details provided by the WPD, below. Guess Who’s Turning 2? In honor of Autism Awareness Month, join us in celebrating Raider’s second Birthday on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Watertown Police Department, 552 Main St.

Police/Fire

Fire Hits East End Home, Residents Evacuated by Alert Witnesses

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Watertown Firefighters put out a fire at a home on Kimball Road. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown Firefighters doused a house fire on Kimball Road Tuesday morning. Residents were not hurt thanks to alert employees of a Coolidge Square business. Calls for heavy smoke from the home at 8 Kimball Road came in for a fire at about 7:30 a.m. and a working fire was called at about 7:40 a.m. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The home sits yards from Mt.

Police/Fire

Hockey Game to Raise Funds to Help Family of Fallen Watertown Firefighter Attend Memorial Ceremony

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Watertown Firefighter Matthew Callahan. The following information came from the Watertown Firefighters Relief Association:

The Matthew Callahan Memorial Fundraiser features a Watertown Fire vs. Watertown Police hockey game on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Warrior Ice Arena, 90 Guest St. in Brighton. Proceeds to benefits the family of firefighter Matthew Callahan who lost his battle with occupational cancer on Aug.