Firefighters, Police, Others Honored for Saving Girl’s Life, 3 Firefighters Sworn In

Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Firefighters, Police, and civilian employees who helped save the life of 11-year-old Rachel Patterson, pose with the Patterson family. Several awards were presented at a ceremony on Oct. 18. A dozen people received awards for their part in saving the life of a girl in July who was not breathing. Also during the ceremony the three newest members of the Watertown Fire Department officially received their badges.

Video Series Will Give Inside Look at Watertown Police, Features Dozens of Officers

A series of videos debuting this week will give people an inside look at the Watertown Police Department, and allow them to get to know some of the officers and others working for the WPD. Behind the Badge, which will be available on the Watertown Police social media accounts, has been more than a year in the making, said Dan McCarthy, who co-produced the series with Mark Chambers. McCarthy and his production team spoke with more than 20 officers, and conducted more than 30 interviews, including civilian employees, McCarthy said. The 10 episodes will be about 7 to 10 minutes long, and each has two features along with a mini feature. “Some of the features include an in depth look at the dispatch for police and fire, the canine, the (Student Resource Officer), we go out on the road with Don Pham and the motorcycle unit” McCarthy said.

UPDATE: Watertown Police & Watertown Schools Hosting First Listening Session on Thursday

UPDATE: Superintendent Dede Galdston announced Wednesday that the Oct. 21 Listening Session has been postponed, and the new date is to be determined. The Watertown Police Department and Watertown Public Schools will host the first of a series of listening sessions to allow people to share their experiences and speak with department leaders. The event will be held Thursday, Oct. 21, from 6:30-8 p.m, at the Watertown Boys & Girls Club, 25 Whites Ave., Watertown.

Police Warn of Dangerous Coyotes After Pack Attacks Dogs Being Walked in Watertown

Clipart PandaA coyote. A dog was killed and another was injured when they were attacked by a pack of coyotes in Watertown. Watertown Police put out a warning on Monday about the attack that took place at about 11 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15. They warned residents to be aware of coyotes, that have been spotted recently in on the streets and bike paths in the East End of Watertown.

OP-ED: The Police Chief and The Missing Data

We take a lot for granted. It’s human nature to live each day believing that what we regard as normal will stay that way. We often cling to this belief even when we know, deep in our gut, that change is inevitable. It’s one thing to deal with change that happens gradually, allowing time to digest it. Even that can be disturbing, but when change comes all at once and seemingly out of the blue, we are likely to find it jarring.