Government

City Manager Hears from Residents at Forum on Hiring Watertown’s Next Police Chief

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Residents had a long list of requests for the qualities and qualifications they would like Watertown’s next Police Chief to have, and new initiatives they would like the new head of the WPD to take on. Monday night, City Manager George Proakis held a community forum to discuss the hiring of the new Watertown Police Chief. He was joined by two members of the consultancy firm who will run the process of evaluating the candidates. Attendees brought up a variety of areas they would like to see the next chief take on, including changes in the department. Several wanted to see the Watertown Police be more transparent, and provide more data to the public, including arrests, traffic violations, and other incidents broken down by race, ethnicity and gender.

Police/Fire

See the Dates for the Next Municipal Firefighter Examination

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The following information was provided by Mass. Civil Service:

Please be advised that the 2023 Municipal Firefighter examination has been announced and applications are now being accepted! 

Key Dates for the Municipal Firefighter Examination

Application Opening: July 1, 2023

Application Deadline: August 29, 2023*

Notices to Appear for Written Test: September 29, 2023

Written Examination Beginning Date: October 14, 2023, through October 21, 2023

Please Note: The original examination date of October 14 will be utilized for all statutory purposes. Notices to Appear for ELPAT: After taking the written examination, you will receive your notice approximately two weeks prior to your scheduled date and time for the ELPAT. Score Release Date: TBD

Employment/Experience (E/E) Last Day to Appeal: TBD

Eligible List Establishment Date: TBD

Written Test Location: Various Sites across the Commonwealth

ELPAT Test Location: 571A Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749

See more information by clicking here.

Police/Fire

Nicholson Fulfills Promise in Becoming Watertown’s Fire Chief, Has Plans for Department

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Ryan Nicholson has been appointed Watertown’s new Fire Chief. (Photo Courtesy of Ryan Nicholson)

After more than a year leading the Watertown Fire Department, Ryan Nicholson officially became Fire Chief on July 17. He has plans for the department, and seeks to continue efforts started by Fire Chiefs who came before him. Firefighting runs in Nicholson’s family, and often visited fire stations when he was young. He credits his uncle, Michael, who encouraged him to aim high when he joined the Fire Department in 2006.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Pair Busted for Apartment Break-in, Porsche Stolen & Crashed

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

July 11th: Police served arrest warrants on two people involved in two incidents in Watertown, including an apartment break-in. The first incident occurred on June 4, when a resident of an apartment building on Main Street reported that a package was missing. Security footage showed a person enter the vestibule and take several packages. On June 29, police investigated a breaking and entering of an apartment on Mt.

Police/Fire

Police Seek Driver Who Appeared to Intentionally Hit Goose

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A picture of a vehicle that appeared to intentionally strike a goose that was crossing Charles River Road. (Courtesy of Watertown Police)

Police believe a motorist intentionally hit a goose on Charles River Road, and seek to identify the driver. The incident occurred on Wednesday July 19, when traffic was stopped for a group of geese crossing the road. The driver of a silver Nissan SUV went into the bike lane and struck a goose. Police hope to identify the driver, and have asked residents to check their home surveillance cameras to see if there is anything on them that could help with the investigation.

Police/Fire

Public Input on Selecting the Next Police Chief Wanted by City Manager

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The process for selecting Watertown’s next Police Chief has started and City Manager George Proakis will hold a meeting to hear from the public about selecting the next chief. The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

The City Manager is seeking community input as he starts the process of selecting the next police chief for the Watertown Police Department. Please join us on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 6:00 PM at the Watertown Free Public Library, Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room. The Library is located at 123 Main Street in Watertown.

Police/Fire

Watertown’s New Fire Chief Appointed by City Manager

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Photo by Watertown Fire DepartmentRyan Nicholson has been named Watertown’s new Fire Chief. Here he is shown when he was appointed Assistant Fire Chief. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is pleased to announce the appointment Ryan Nicholson as the new Fire Chief for the City of Watertown. Chief Nicholson brings 17 years of experience to the Watertown Fire Department. As Chief, he will oversee approximately 90 sworn and civilian staff, providing fire and emergency response services spanning four groups with an annual operating budget of approximately $13 million.

Police/Fire

Three Watertown Firefighters Graduate from State Fire Academy

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Watertown Firefighters Kate Boudreau, Aqib Shah, and Kevin Mawe graduatd from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Fire Services)

The following information was provided by the state Department of Fire Services:

State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Jeffrey P. Winn announced the graduation of 23 firefighters, including three from Watertown, from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program. “First responders are on the frontlines protecting their communities, and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “The rigorous professional training they’ve received provides them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”

The graduating firefighters of Class #312 represent the fire departments of Amesbury, Chelsea, Devens, Gardner, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Peabody, Swampscott, Watertown, and Winchester. The following graduates are members of the Watertown Fire Department: Kate Boudreau, Kevin Mawe, and Aqib Shah.