Crime & Safety
Watertown Fire: Randolph Man Dies Battling 2-Alarm Blaze
Joseph Toscano, 54, was a father of five, officials said Friday.
WATERTOWN, MA – A Watertown firefighter who died battling a two-alarm blaze on Merrifield Avenue Friday morning was a married father of five, officials said.
The Watertown Fire Department identified the fallen firefighter as 54-year-old Joseph Toscano, of Randolph.
The fire was reported on Merrifield Avenue around 10:15 a.m. and upgraded to two alarms about 15 minutes later. The Newton Fire Department provided assistance at the scene.
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Two residents of the home were taken to the hospital.
Toscano collapsed at the scene and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Reports say he may have collapsed due to a heart attack, but the death is still under investigation.
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The Watertown Fire Department received an outpouring of support Friday from police and fire departments in Massachusetts and Gov. Charlie Baker tweeted his condolences, saying "Thoughts & prayers are with the #Watertown firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty this morning, his loved ones, & his FF family."
Thoughts and prayers to the fallen firefighter, his family and the Watertown Fire Department very sad day in Watertown #watertownstrong
— Edward P. Deveau (@EdwardPDeveau) March 17, 2017
Our prayers are w/the #Watertown Firefighter who died in line of duty this morning, and with his family at home and on the job. God bless.
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) March 17, 2017
Sending our heartfelt condolences to the Bravest @WatertownFD
— Newton Police (@newtonpolice) March 17, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire #Watertown Fire Dept and the family and friends of the fallen firefighter. #Hero #LODD
— Massasoit Police (@MassasoitPolice) March 17, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to the Watertown Firefighter who died battling a 2-alarm fire this morning, his family, and the Watertown FD.
— Arlington, MA Police (@ArlingtonMAPD) March 17, 2017
Our hearts are with the family, friends, and fellow firefighters of the Watertown firefighter who died in the line of duty this morning
— MAEnviroPolice (@MAEnviroPolice) March 17, 2017
Thoughts and prayers for the fallen firefighter, his family, and our brothers and sisters at Watertown Fire Department.
— Westboro Fire Dept (@WestboroughFire) March 17, 2017
Our thoughts & prayers go out to the family of the @WatertownFD who died in the line of duty today and all our brothers in @Local_1347
— Newton Fire (@NewtonFireDept) March 17, 2017
Tragic News out of Watertown a Watertown, MA Fire Department Firefighter has died in the line of duty, our... https://t.co/UNtuly0ClT
— Weston Fire (@WESTON_FIRE) March 17, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Watertown Fire Department. @Local_1347
— Brookline Fire Dept. (@BrooklineFD) March 17, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Watertown Firefighter who passed away fighting a 2 alarm fire this morning.
— Belmont, MA Police (@BelmontPD) March 17, 2017
By Alex Newman (Patch Staff)
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