Watertown Fire Station Celebrates 75 Years of Service to the Community
For 75 years, Watertown Fire Station 3 on Orchard Street has served as a neighborhood fixture, responding to emergencies and building connections with generations of residents.
The firehouse, which opened in October 1951, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month. Watertown Fire Capt. Bob Power, who oversees the station, says its neighborhood atmosphere is what makes it special.
Over the decades, Station 3 has undergone several changes. Watertown's fire department ambulance service began operating from the building in 1975, and Engine 3 was permanently assigned there in 1983. Renovations have modernized the station's living quarters, while several historical features remain, including an original fire pole, a restored alarm gong and an old air raid siren.
Today, Station 3 houses Engine 3, Medic 1 and a backup ambulance. Five firefighters and paramedics staff the station each shift, serving primarily residential neighborhoods, four of Watertown's five public schools and several elderly housing facilities.
The station is also preparing to welcome a new fire engine, expected to arrive this fall.
Despite the changes, Power says the firehouse has maintained the same neighborhood identity that has defined it for decades.
Watertown Fire Station 3 History: 1927–2026
1927: Watertown's fire chief proposes a third fire station to serve the growing northern section of town. At the time, Station 1 is located at 99 Main St. and Station 2 at 564 Mount Auburn St.
1930: The North Watertown Fire Station Committee is established to plan the new firehouse.
1945: A site at Belmont and Lexington streets is selected, with plans for a 20,000-square-foot property and a 750-gallon-per-minute fire engine.
1947: The original plans fall through, and a new location on Orchard Street is selected.
1948: The fire station committee continues meeting to advance the project.
1949: Watertown purchases the Orchard Street property, but construction is delayed by additional cost studies.
1950: Construction moves forward with an $81,876 contract awarded to Perioria Construction. Officials recommend hiring 13 firefighters.
1951: Station 3 is formally accepted on Oct. 6 and opens shortly afterward with 13 firefighters, Engine 4 and a reserve ladder truck.
1951–1983: Engine 4 remains stationed on Orchard Street, receiving replacement apparatus previously used by other engine companies.
1975: Watertown's fire department ambulance service begins operating from Station 3 in April.
1983: Engine 3 is permanently transferred to Station 3 on Dec. 1, while Engine 4 moves to Station 1.
1995: A new fire engine with a 1,250-gallon-per-minute pump enters service at Station 3.
2001: Major renovations relocate the kitchen upstairs and reorganize the station's living quarters.
2018: Additional renovations upgrade the kitchen and create two gender-neutral bathrooms and showers.
2024: A new flagpole is dedicated May 13 in memory of former Fire Chief Mario Orangio.
2026: Station 3 celebrates its 75th anniversary. The station houses Engine 3, Medic 1 and a backup ambulance.