Around Town

Ed Walsh Foundation Housing 10th Anniversary Fundraiser in Memory of Lost Firefighter

By |

The following information came from the Ed Walsh Foundation:

March 26, 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the deadly 9 alarm fire at 298 Beacon St, Boston that took the lives of two of Boston’s bravest, Boston Fire Lt. Edward J. Walsh Jr., who grew up in Watertown, and Boston Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy. Fenian Sons will be performing at the event. Our yearly fundraiser at the American Legion Post 440, 295 California St, Newton, Ma will take place on March 29, 2024 at 7 p.m. At this 10 year anniversary we thank you in advance for your consideration for this worthwhile fundraiser and appreciate your kind thoughtfulness to help continue Ed’s spirit which was devoted to serving others and his dedication to helping people in need. Proceeds from the event will be used for our Smile-On Grant program that provides grant money to teachers, coaches, parents and specialists who help children in school and sports. Find out more about the event by clicking here.

Ed Walsh

Main Street Will be Shut Down for Fallen Watertown Firefighter’s Funeral

By |

A firefighter’s funeral is an amazing spectacle as thousands of fellow firefighters come to show their last respects. To accommodate all those coming to bid farewell to Watertown Firefighter Joseph Toscano, Main Street in Watertown will be shut down much of Wednesday. The Watertown Police Department announced the closure on Sunday afternoon. “Please be advised that Main St from Waverley Ave to Watertown Square will be closed this Wednesday at 8:30 am for the funeral service of FF Toscano. Please seek alternate routes and plan accordingly,” the Facebook announcement said.

Charity

Ed Walsh Foundation Hosting Fundraiser to Put More Books in Schools

By |

The Ed Wash Foundation, in memory of the fallen Boston firefighter and Watertown native, will host a Spring Fundraiser on March 24 featuring music, food and raffles. 

The event will be held on March 24, 2017 from 7 p.m.-midnight at the American Legion Post 440, 295 California St., Newton. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at door Purchase tickets at bit.ly/March32417

Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Boston rock band Fenian Sons. Proceeds from the event will be used for the Smile-On Grant program that provides grant money to teachers, coaches, parents and specialists who help children in school and sports, according to the organizers. “Please help us by bringing a book for our book drive. Imagine a school without a library, or a home with no books to read when you get home from school.

Around Town

Local Reporter Gets Award for Piece on Fire that Killed Fire Lt. Ed Walsh

By |

A radio report on the fire that killed two Boston firefighters, including Watertown native Ed Walsh, won a national award, and was made by a local man. 

WBUR’s Bruce Gellerman – who lives in Watertown – won first place in the PRNDI (Public Radio News Director Incorporated) Awards in the Nationally Edited Breaking News category. His story, “Two Boston Firefighters Die In Nine-Alarm Blaze,” chronicled the deadly Back Bay fire that killed Boston Fire Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy in March 2014. Listen to the story by clicking here. While Walsh worked in Boston, he was laid to rest and honored in his hometown of Watertown with great fanfare. Thousands of firefighters gathered in Watertown, shutting down Main Street for the wake and funeral (see photos here). The PRNDI awards recognize excellent journalism produced in 2014 in new arts and sports feature categories as well as or multimedia, nationally edited, and student work.

Police/Fire

Ed Walsh Honored with Plaque at His Boston Fire House

By |

Lt. Edward J. Walsh, Jr. Engine Company 33 pic.twitter.com/AgqpC5Gjcy

— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) March 22, 2015
A year after losing his life in a fire in the Back Bay, Boston Fire lieutenant and Watertown native Ed Walsh was honored with a plaque at his fire house. 

A ceremony was held outside the fire house that is home to Engine 33 and Ladder 15. The nine-alarm fire on Beacon Street also claimed the life of firefighter Michael Kennedy. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh spoke at the unveiling. Boston Fire Commissioner Joe Finn said there is no closure for firefighters when like Walsh and Kennedy, they just have to keep doing there jobs, “responding to incidents and helping the public,” according to a report by WBUR.

Around Town

Top Stories of 2014 on Watertown News

By |

Watertown had its share of news this year, but here are the top stories of 2014. 1. Development – No matter what part of town you live in, a new project was built, approved or proposed. On the west side, Pleasant Street has been hot, and the Town Council and Planning Board have looked at ways to prevent more large residential complexes coming to that area. Arsenal Street looks to be the next big area of development, with plans to renovate Arsenal on the Charles, the approved hotel near the malls, and new projects closer to Watertown Square – including the approved 202-204 Arsenal Street and the proposed Greystar project.

Sports

See Photos from Watertown Baseball and Softball Opening Day!

By |

A parade of young ballplayers marched down through town to Casey Field Saturday morning for the opening day of Watertown Baseball and Softball. The weather finally cooperated. The season was already delayed a couple weeks by weather, said League President Greg Salvucci. The special guest at the ceremony was Watertown Fire Chief Mario Orangio. He recalled opening day back in 1978 when he was a player when the game was snowed out.

Around Town

Honor Fallen Boston Firefighter Walsh Today in Watertown

By |

A procession through Watertown will honor Boston Fire Lt. Edward Walsh who died in a fire on Wednesday. Watertown will honor fallen Boston Firefighter Edward J. Walsh – a Watertown native – on Friday, and the public is encouraged to come out and pay their respects.A funeral procession will come through Watertown as Walsh is carried from Boston to Stanton Funeral Home near the Cambridge line on Mt. Auburn Street. The procession will come down Galen Street, through Watertown Square and then up Mt. Auburn Street to the funeral home.