Watertown Fire: Firefighter, Father of 5, Dies Battling Blaze

WATERTOWN, MA – A Watertown firefighter and married father of five died battling a blaze on Merrifield Avenue Friday morning, prompting a flood of support from across Massachusetts for a man with a "heart of gold."

Joseph Toscano, 54, of Randolph, had been with the Watertown Fire Department for more than 20 years. He died after collapsing at the scene of the two-alarm fire.

Watertown Deputy Fire Chief Bob Quinn said Toscano had three sons and two daughters, all between the ages of 12 and 19.

"It's devastating to everybody behind me and everybody inside the building to have this happen," Quinn said at a press conference Friday afternoon.

Watertown Fire Lt. Rob Mannix told WBZ Toscano had a "heart of gold."

The tragedy is the first firefighter death in Watertown since the late 1950s, according to Quinn.

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The fire was first reported around 10:15 a.m. at 29 Merrifield Avenue and upgraded to two alarms about 15 minutes later. The Newton Fire Department provided assistance at the home.

Two residents of the home were hospitalized and several pets were rescued.

Toscano collapsed at the scene. Crews performed emergency CPR on him before taking him to Mt. Auburn Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Reports say he may have collapsed due to a heart attack, but the death is still under investigation.

Watertown police said Friday they were "deeply saddened" by the loss of Toscano.

Gov. Charlie Baker tweeted, "Thoughts & prayers are with the #Watertown firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty this morning, his loved ones, & his FF family."

In a statement, Randolph Police Chief William Pace mourned Toscano not just as a fellow first responder, but as a member of the Randolph community.

"Earlier today, the public safety community lost one of its own and the Town of Randolph lost a resident. Watertown Firefighter Joseph Toscano, age 54, reportedly died as a result of a medical emergency he suffered while battling a fire Friday morning," Pace said. "On behalf of the Randolph Police Department and the entire community, I offer my most sincere condolences to the Toscano family, including Joseph’s wife and five children. Firefighter Toscano served the Watertown Fire Department bravely for more than 20 years."

The Watertown Fire Department also received an outpouring of support from police and fire departments across Massachusetts, as well as state and church officials.