Watertown Police Chief: The Terrorists Came Here and We Stood Our Ground

Rarely do people face the ultimate challenge, a test beyond what they can even imagine, but what the seven Watertown Police officers and two Watertown Firefighters faced on April 19 at the intersection of Dexter Avenue and Laurel Street was one of those times – and they came out with flying colors.

Watertown Police Chief Edward Deveau told the Town Council Wednesday night that he could not be prouder of his officers, as well as the firefighters, public works employees and the residents of Watertown for their cooperation during the lockdown.

“Our guys, our Fire Department, our DPW and our citizens answered the call,” Deveau said. “The terrorists came here and we stood our ground.”

The seven officers who battled the two Boston Marathon Bombing suspects need time to heal, Deveau said, but he said eventually when they will share their story people will be amazed.

“Your Watertown Police Department, my Watertown Police Department, everybody’s Watertown Police Department stood their ground down there in a horrific situation,” Deveau said. “We don’t train for that, we didn’t sign up for THAT. But we handled ourselves well, more than well. I couldn’t be prouder being chief of this organization.”

Deveau hates to think about what would have happened had police not stopped the suspects.

“If those guys had gotten away, they were going to hurt people – hurt people in our community or somewhere else,” Deveau said. “They would have killed innocent people.”

Police were not the only ones at the scene of the shoot out. Two Watertown Firefighters came to save a Transit Police officer injured in the battle, said Watertown Fire Chief Mario Orangio.

“In my eyes it was just a fantastic display of unity and support, showing how tight first responders are and how well the first responders work together,” Orangio said. “We are always asked to be our best when things are at their worst. It doesn’t get much worse than this. At least I hope it doesn’t in my tenure as Fire Chief.”

Both the Police and Fire departments have received tons of thanks from the people of Watertown and beyond.

“I just wanted to thank everyone for reaching out. There has been an outpouring of support for the Fire Department and the Police Department,” Orangio said. “We have gotten donations of food. To show you how much, it is more than my firefighters can eat. And that’s saying something.”

The love and thanks at the Town Council meeting also went to the Department of Public Works for their role helping out after the shootout, during the lockdown and when the second suspect was captured.

“Normally the Public Works Department works behind the scenes. To get recognized like this makes me really proud.” said Watertown Public Works Superintendent Gerald Mee. “As Superintendent of Public Works and as a resident of Watertown I am extremely proud be part of this community, extremely proud of the Police Department, Fire Department and Public Works. I think the slogan says it all, ‘Watertown Strong.’”

Deveau said everyone Watertown is proud, and everyone around the country now knows about Watertown.

“Someone said to me, if you ever go away, somewhere else, and you are asked where are from, you say Boston,” Deveau said. “We don’t say that any more. We say we are from Watertown, and people will know where you are from.”

See all of Patch's coverage of the Boston Marathon Bombing and Manhunt here.