Police/Fire

Staffing for Second Watertown Ambulance Recommended by Council Committee

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A Council committee voted to recommend that Watertown’s Fire Department should have a second ambulance after hearing about the alternatives and cost of running the second in-house ambulance. Watertown Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson said having a second ambulance would not just provide quicker response for patients in emergency situations, but would also increase the morale of the WFD’s paramedics. He gave his presentation to the Committee on Budget & Fiscal Oversight on April 29. At a prior meeting, Nicholson told the committee about how calls handled by the contracted private ambulance service, Pro EMS, often does not meet the National Fire Protection Association’s standards of providing emergency medical services within 9 minutes 90 percent of the time. For calls handled by the contracted ambulance, the NFPA’s standard is met 44 percent of the time, Nicholson said in March, while when Watertown’s ambulance responds the standard is met 96 percent of the time.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Arrested for Trying to Break Into Home Twice, Shoplifter Busted, Counterfeit Bills Used

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. April 28: A juvenile was seen taking merchandise from Nike valued at $50. April 28: A woman carrying two tote bags went into Ulta and took two creams worth $125 and $89. April 29: Security at Target spotted a woman taking items. She left the store before police arrived but was located in the area. She had taken $203.60 worth of merchandise.

Around Town

Mt. Auburn St. Project: Electrical Conduit Installation Continues Closer to Watertown Square

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During the week of May 5 to May 9, 2025 the work being done by Newport Construction on Mt. Auburn Street includes electrical conduit installation for three areas: at Common Street, Irving Street/Palfrey Street, and between Bates Road and Garfield Street. See the information provided by the City of Watertown below. Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts

During this work, you can expect temporary lane shifts and possibly lane closures, but one travel lane in each direction will remain on Mount Auburn Street. Work will take place on the sidewalks, but they will remain open and accessible.

Schools

Watertown Public Schools Nutrition Director Named Top School Nutrition Director in Mass.

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Watertown School Nutrition Director Brandon Rabbitt

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Public Schools:

Brandon Rabbitt, the Director of School Nutrition for Watertown Public Schools, has been honored as the top school nutrition director in Massachusetts. The School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts selected Rabbitt as their Massachusetts Director of the Year. In announcing the award, the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts highlighted Rabbitt’s “leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the world of school nutrition.” He was also lauded for his “dedication to student wellness, [his] ability to lead and inspire [his] team, and [his] efforts to increase accessibility of school meals. “I’m so honored to receive this recognition, but it’s really all about our school nutrition team,” said Rabbitt. “I’m beyond lucky to work with such a hardworking group of people who care deeply about our students.

Environment

Lt. Gov. Recognizes Watertown as Part of Inaugural Group of Climate Leader Communities

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City Council President Mark Sideris speaks with Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll at the Climate Leader Communities event held in Watertown on May 2. (Courtesy of the DOER)

Watertown’s efforts to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases were recognized by the State on Friday. The Healey-Driscoll Administration held the celebration of the state’s first 19 certified Climate Leader Communities outside the “crown jewel” of Watertown’s green efforts: the net-zero energy high school now being constructed on Columbia Avenue. The Climate Leader Communities program encourages municipalities to lower municipal emissions, maximize the efficiency of buildings and transportation, and slash energy costs. CLC certified communities can apply for grants of up to $1.15 million for projects that reduce municipal emissions.

Sports

Former WHS Player Readying for Her Sixth Year as a College Field Hockey

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Aurise Tattrie will be playing her sixth year of college field hockey at UMass Lowell this fall. (Contributed Photo)

Aurise Tattrie has amassed perhaps the longest college career of any former Watertown field hockey player, as she enters her sixth year playing at UMass Lowell. She will play her final season as a captain of the River Hawks, but the journey has had its ups and downs. In her time in Lowell, Tattrie (who plays back) has appeared in 54 games, made 52 starts, scored one goal and added four assists for 7 total of points. She has played 3,083 minutes for the River Hawks.

Around Town

The Evolution of Watertown Pride 2022 to Today, Celebration Planned for June 1

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The following piece was provided by the Watertown Pride Committee:

In June 2025, Watertown Pride will kick-off its fourth consecutive year of celebrations, fostering unity and diversity in Watertown and beyond. With a parade, festival, and much more planned throughout June, Watertown’s celebration this year would not be possible without the hard work and insights of all those involved in the years prior. In 2022, the staff of the Watertown Free Public Library (WFPL) wanted to respond to the longing people were feeling for connection, especially as we all were slowly coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and ready to see our neighbors face to face. The city’s LGBT+ community were not immune to these feelings, not only coping with feelings of social isolation, but also facing the unfortunate reality that Boston Pride had been cancelled that year. WFPL is a major catalyst in the community, and part of its mission is to create connection and community through its services, materials, programs and more.

Around Town

Drivers Will Have to Start Paying to Charge Electric Vehicles at City’s Charging Stations

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The City of Watertown announced changes to the policy of charging EVs at City-owned charging stations. Starting on May 1 drivers will have to pay to charge at the stations located in City and school lots. See the details below:

Parking at an EV Charging Station

Beginning on May 1, 2025, users of the City of Watertown’s EV charging stations will be charged a rate of $0.25 per kWh to charge their vehicle. The City of Watertown owns 29 EV charging stations across the city for public use, located at:

Watertown Free Public Library parking lot – 4 plugs

Howard Street Parking Lot – 6 plugs

Lowell Elementary School – 1 plug but restricted to school staff during the day

Cunniff Elementary School – 3 plugs but restricted to school staff during the day

Hosmer Elementary School – 6 plugs but restricted to school staff during the day

Department of Public Works – 8 plugs (open to public 5pm – 6am)

The income gathered will go toward the City’s sustainability goals in the future. The EV charging stations at the three elementary schools (Lowell, Cunniff, and Hosmer) will be open to the public outside of school hours, from 6pm – 6am.