Police/Fire

Residents Come Out to Thank Watertown Police During a Tough Time for Cops

By |

Some Police Departments in America have had some difficult and testing times recently, but Thursday evening a group of about 30 people came out to an event to support the Watertown Police Department in their efforts to avoid troubles facing other departments. The ceremony was held in the evening sun on the plaza next to Town Hall. Organizer Marilyn Petitto Devaney said that she abhors the killing of black men by police, but added that for each bad police officer, there are millions of good ones, including those in Watertown. “We are here for only one purpose – to collectively say thank you to our Watertown Police officers, and say that we support them,” Petitto Devaney said.  

Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn remembered the five officers killed in Dallas by a man saying he was retaliating for recent killing of black men by police in Minnesota and Louisiana.

Charity

Casino Night Will Raise Funds for Cops for Kids with Cancer

By |

The Watertown Police will put on a Casino Night for a good cause this fall, with the proceeds going to a charity that helps the families of children fighting cancer. On Friday, Sept. 16, 2016 from 7 p.m. to midnight, a Casino Night will be held at American Legion Post 440 in Newton. Proceeds benefit Cops for Kids with Cancer, which provides thousands of dollars to families to help pay for the costs that insurance does not cover when a child undergoes cancer treatment. Last year, a the charity presented a Watertown family with a $5,000 check to help them out as their son underwent treatment for a rare form of leukemia.

Police/Fire

Rally to Support Watertown Police Officers Planned This Week

By |

In the wake of the recent violence against police officers in the United States a group of residents is organizing a rally to show support for Watertown Police Officers. 

The event will be a non-political gathering for residents to show support for the Watertown Police, said one of the organizers, Marilyn Petitto Devaney, a former Town Councilor and current Governor’s Councilor. “There will be no political speeches – it will be a low key, non-political gathering of residents showing support for our Watertown Police,” Petitto Devaney said. “With the violence occurring across our country we need to thank our Watertown Police.” The rally will be held Thursday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. next to Town Hall.

Police/Fire

Police Respond to Call, Find One Car Missing, One With 2 Stolen Plates

By |

A Watertown resident thought her car was stolen by a man she had hired to paint her house and his girlfriend, but it turned out the car they arrived in was the sketchy one. 

On April 21 at 3 p.m., a Fairfield Street resident called police to report that her car was missing and the man she leant it to also had a bank check she had given him, said Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor. “During the day she let they guy and his girlfriend take her vehicle to get supplies for her job,” O’Connor said. “Later in the day, when the people didn’t come back, she called police and at the time reported the vehicle stolen and he had a bank check and a small amount of cash.” She was able to cancel the bank check. At about 5:30 p.m., she called Police again to report the vehicle had been returned.

Around Town

Hundreds Celebrate Watertown Strong Spirit at 3rd Annual 5K Run

By |

Nearly 500 runners and walkers came out to take part in the race that was created to celebrate the spirit shown in Watertown after the capture of the Boston Marathon Bombers. 

Participants in third annual Watertown Strong 5K enjoyed sunny weather on Sunday. New Police Chief Michael Lawn thanked all those who came out to join in the race, or just to come watch. He remembered how the Watertown community pulled together during the lockdown and celebrated after the the capture of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on April 19, 2013. Retired-Police Chief Edward Deveau also attended the event, which started and ended at Tufts Health Plan. As she has the last two years, Caillie Hughes performed her song “That Night” and sang the National Anthem before the race.

Around Town

Police Host Watertown Strong 5K; World Marathon Champ Will Attend

By |

Sign up now for the third annual Watertown Strong 5K Run/Walk hosted by the Watertown Police, and meet the World Marathon Challenge Champion. The Watertown Police Supervisor’s Association will commemorate the anniversary of the events that led to the capture of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects by inviting the community to fill the streets of Watertown in a celebratory 5K road race. World Marathon Challenge champion Becca Pizzi, of Belmont, who ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven days and won them all, will be at the Watertown Strong Race. The event will be Sunday, April 17, 2016 beginning at Tufts Health Plan, 705 Mt. Auburn St.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Announces Promotions, Swearing In of New Officers

By |

The Watertown Police recently announced the promotion of two of its officers, and the swearing in of two new recruits. Chief Michael P. Lawn announced the promotions of Sgt. Kenneth C. Delaney to the rank to lieutenant and Officer Kenneth J. Swift to the rank of sergeant. A swearing inceremony was held at the Watertown Police Station on February 2, 2016. Lt. Delaney has been a police officer for the last 23 years, working for the Shrewsbury and Westford Police Departments prior to becoming a Watertown Police Officer in 2007. Lt. Delaney’s new assignment will be as a shift commander in the night patrol division.

Cancer

Watertown Family Receives Money from Cops for Kids with Cancer

By |

Three-year-old Max Heiniluoma was diagnosed with cancer in October, and has been given a two-year treatment program. While his family’s health insurance covers most of the cost, there are many co-payments and lost wages when Max is in hospital. That’s where Cops for Kids with Cancer steps in. Last week, Robert Faherty, chairman of the board for the non-profit group, came to the Watertown Police Station to present Max’s father Andrew with a $5,000 check to help pay for the costs that insurance doesn’t cover. Andrew heard about Cops for Kids with Cancer and was told to contact his local police department.