Police/Fire

Fire Department Awards Medals to Two Men Who Helped Prevent a Serious Blaze

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Watertown Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson congratulates Omar Omolade, middle, and Amitabh Agrawal for receiving the Medal of Commendation for their quick actions that prevented a serious fire on Galen Street in January. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The quick action of a pair of men in a barbershop on Galen Street early on a January morning prevented serious damage in a building that is home to multiple businesses. This week, the Watertown Fire Department awarded them with a Fire Service Awards. On Jan. 18, 2024, at about 6:45 a.m., a fire alarm went off for a restaurant on Galen Street, and fire crews arrived to find the restaurant’s steel door had already been opened by Omar Omolade of 1st Yard Barbers, and customer Amitabh Agrawal.

Police/Fire

Three Sent to Hospital After Watertown Motor Vehicle Accident

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Three people suffered injuries in an accident on California Street late Saturday night. The Watertown Fire Department released the following statement on social media:

Just before midnight fire companies responded to a motor vehicle accident on California St. Two occupants were ejected from the vehicle and a third needed to be extricated. They were transported to area hospitals. The vehicle damaged in an accident on California Street on Jan.

Around Town

Meet Firefighters and Police Officers at Safety First Family Event

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The following information was provided by Watertown Families Together:

Young children and their caregivers are invited to a “SAFETY FIRST” event on Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

The event is at Brigham House Assisted Living Residence, 341 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown.  Enjoy:

• Music with Ruth

• A visit with the Watertown Firefighters and Watertown Police. Climb into their vehicles. See what it feels like to help keep Watertown and its residents safe. • A take-home craft

• A treat or two

• Many more surprises

This program is brought to you by a grant from the Marshall Home Fund, Brigham House and Watertown Families Together

Police/Fire

Fire Department Hosting Kids’ Art Contest, Winners to be Announced at WFD Open House

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The Watertown Fire Department sent out the following annoucement:

Come join us for some fun, food, and live demonstrations. Learn about fire safety and what you can do to keep your friends, family, and pets safe. Watertown Fire Department Open House: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Watertown Fire Department Children’s Art Contest

This contest is open to all Watertown Elementary School students. We would like to see your best Fire Department themed drawings. Please include your name, your parent/guardian’s name, phone number and email address.

Police/Fire

Car Crashes Through Storefront, Closes Arsenal Street to Deal with Gas Line

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An elderly driver drove through the window of a vacant office at 440 Arsenal St. on Thursday. (Courtesy of Watertown Fire Department)

An elderly man driving on Arsenal Street on Thursday left the roadway and crashed through a vacant storefront, breaking a gas line. Watertown Police received multiple 911 calls about a vehicle that drove through the window of an unoccupied and vacant office at 440 Arsenal St. at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, said Watertown Police Sgt.

Police/Fire

Watertown Fire Department to Mark Anniversary of 9/11 with Remembrance Ceremony

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The Watertown Fire Department will mark the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 with a ceremony at the Fire Station on Main Street. The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

The Fire Department will hold a brief ceremony on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 at Fire Station Headquarters, located at 99 Main St., to remember the 343 FDNY firefighters lost Sept. 11, 2001, along with thousands of innocent people on the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Police/Fire

Watertown’s Fire Chief Thanks Family, Fellow Firefighters During Swearing-in Ceremony

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Watertown Fire Chief Ryan Nicholson was sworn in by City Clerk Janet Murphy. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown’s new Fire Chief had plenty of people to thank during his swearing-in ceremony, but Ryan Nicholson made sure not to be the sole focus of the event at the Commander’s Mansion on Tuesday afternoon. “I’m incredibly humble to be able to address this group today as the Watertown Fire Department’s eighth permanent fire chief,” he said Tuesday. “I am also excited to announce the promotion of five of our men, and celebrate the appointment of seven firefighters.” City Manager George Proakis has gotten to know Nicholson, having worked together since Proakis arrived in Watertown in August 2022.

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.