02/05/08 Fire Engine 4 reports for duty WALTHAM - A donation from Brandeis University helped outfit the truck, which will replace Engine 4 with a premier piece of equipment. As Chief Richard Cardillo examined the shiny E-One Rescue Pumper, the station crew dragged out hose lines to fill the 750-gallon water tank. Opening the side compartments, adjustable shelves and pullout trays, Cardillo pointed out the work of Lt. John Castellano, who spent many hours of his own time at Greenwood Motors in North Attleborough designing and customizing many of the engine’s features. The new truck cost $406,500, with an additional $12,000 for the customized storage units and shelving. "The rescue pumper holds a lot more equipment (than the previous engine)," said Cardillo. The inside storage cabinet will hold the crew’s medical equipment, he said. Also, said Cardillo, Brandeis University made a donation worth $40,000 in the form of a top-of-the-line piece of equipment. The extrication device designed by Holmatro, said Cardillo, "in my opinion, it’s the best on the market today. We’re very grateful to Brandeis." That tool, primarily used to free people trapped in cars after an accident, has more power than previous models and is easier to use because it weighs less, said Cardillo. With Brandeis’ recent donation, the city now has three pieces of extrication equipment, said Cardillo. "Each one has different things they can do better than the other," said Cardillo. "Now, I think we have the best of all worlds." The rescue pumper itself, said Cardillo, can pump 1,250 gallons of water per minute. Unlike the previous engine, it also can store and pump out foam used for petroleum fires, he said. There are three hose line hookups at the front of the truck, said Cardillo. A fourth line runs from the truck’s front bumper, allowing firefighters to avoid stretching the hose lines around the truck when they pull up directly behind a car fire on the highway. With nearly 20 years of service under its belt, the older engine will be used as a spare to replace others while they are in the shop. To have a complete engine with all the necessary tools as backup, most of the supplies aboard the new engine are also fresh out of the package, said Cardillo. Based on his records, said Cardillo, the Prospect Street station is the busiest in the city. On average, Engine 4 makes 100 more runs each year than any other fire station. Cardillo hopes to have the Prospect Street station crew trained and familiar with the new engine for its first shift Friday evening. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Fri Feb 05, 2008,By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 2/01/08 Two-alarm fire on Calvary Street WALTHAM - Firefighters battled a fire Friday afternoon that heavily damaged two apartments inside a Calvary Street multi-family home. Just after noon, the first-floor apartment in a four-unit house at 20 Calvary St. caught fire. According to Deputy Chief Michael Quinn, "the fire originated in the first floor ceiling area. It extended to the second and third floors on the left side of the house." No one was injured during the two-alarm fire, said Quinn. It was not immediately known how the fire started. "It’s under investigation. It’s too soon to tell," said Quinn. As crews battled the blaze and heavy smoke conditions, several second and third floor windows were smashed by firefighters to provide access to the second and third floors. Two ladder trucks were extended to the second floor and crews rolled out five water lines. A combination of eight ladder trucks and engines responded to the scene. Two of the apartments on the left side of the building were damaged heavily by fire and water, said Quinn. The remaining two apartments were smoke damaged. Fausto Fernandez, whose family rents one of the apartments inside the home that was not severely damaged during the fire, stood across the street while crews worked. Fernandez said his uncle, who was outside when the fire began, lives in the first floor apartment where the blaze started. His uncle was the first person to notice the fire inside the apartment and immediately called 911, said Fernandez. Everyone who was inside the building got out quickly, he added. Carol and Rick Mazzola stood outside in the freezing rain and wind to watch as firefighters worked. The couple lives directly behind the building on Liverpool Lane. Based on their observations, "it started in the kitchen. We could see fire. That was the first place (firefighters) entered," said Rick Mazzola, pointing to the second floor rear window. "It just happened so quick. We wanted to make sure everyone was out," he said. After firefighters had extinguished the flames and secured the area, tenants living on the right side of the building were allowed to survey the damage. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Fri Feb 01, 2008,By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 1/13/08 Pedestrian hit, killed on Rte. 128 WESTON - A 44-year-old man was killed last night on Rte. 128 in Weston after getting out of his vehicle, which was stopped in the breakdown lane, and being hit by a tractor-trailer truck, state police said. Police said after coming to a stop in the breakdown lane and getting out of his Dodge Durango, the driver was struck by a 2002 Kenworth tractor-trailer. The accident occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. on the southbound side of Rte. 128 just after Rte. 20. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not release the man's name pending notification of his relatives. According the state police, preliminary investigations have determined the man was near the white fog line separating the right travel lane and the breakdown lane when he was struck. The identity of the victim was not released. James Glovacki, 55, of Greenfield, was the driver of the tractor-trailer. He was not injured in the accident, police said. State Trooper Eric Benson said it was too early to determine if anyone is at fault for the fatal accident. "This is very preliminary (information). It's extremely early and it's unclear now," said Benson, "It will continue to evolve, I'm sure, for quite some time." The crash is being investigated by the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. The Weston Police, Weston Fire Department and Waltham Police assisted the troopers on scene. The state's medical examiner also responded to the scene. While the accident scene was investigated and cleared the two right travel lanes were closed for nearly three hours. During that time, traffic was diverted around the accident and into the two left lanes of Rte. 128 South. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Sun Jan 13, 2008,By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 1/10/08 Area fire officials on alert Since carbon monoxide detectors are now required in every home, fire departments across the state are regularly answering calls for elevated levels of the odorless gas, proving to state officials that the new law has merit. "It (means the law) is working," said State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan. "We're very pleased that it is." Emergency calls for carbon monoxide across the state nearly doubled from 2005 to 2006, according to statistics compiled by the Department of Fire Services. Since coming into effect in 2006, "Nicole's Law," named after Nicole Garofalo, 7, who died Jan. 28, 2005 of carbon monoxide poisoning in Plymouth, the owner of every residential building must install detectors on each habitable floor and within 10 feet of every bedroom. As of this year, all housing facilities owned by the state, which includes public housing, must have detectors. Carbon monoxide builds up in homes where fossil fuels, such as natural gas and oil, are used for heating. Over time, carbon monoxide causes dizziness, headaches, fatigue and, in some cases, death. The detectors, said Coan, have saved lives. Fire departments are answering calls before people are sickened or killed, Coan said. Homeowners who do not install detectors will face penalties when they sell or transfer their houses. As of March 31, 2006, fire departments are required to inspect all homes for the detectors upon sales or transfers. Although local fire departments have not seen the spike in calls reported statewide, firefighters are routinely responding to activated carbon monoxide detectors. "Ninety percent of the time we have a problem it's from a heating unit malfunctioning," said Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo. Winter is typically the busiest time for carbon monoxide calls because homes are not well-ventilated and snow builds up around heating vents, he said. "If your hot water heater or your heating system is vented to the outside and the snow is blocking the vent, the exhaust is coming into the house," said Cardillo. Homeowner should clear their vents while shoveling their driveways, he said. The detectors are "pretty self-sufficient" and mostly require homeowners to only change the batteries, said Cardillo. "Keep the batteries fresh. Change them when you (reset) the clocks," he said. In Newton, Fire Prevention Lt. Robert Binnall said there has not been a dramatic increase in calls this year over last, "but we do get a decent amount of calls on them." Like Waltham firefighters have found, the majority of calls are for carbon monoxide detectors that are going off because the batteries need to be changed or the home's heating unit is malfunctioning. But even the false calls are good, said Binnall, because it reminds homeowners of the potential of danger. "Before, they didn't even know anything was in the house," Binnall said. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jan 10, 2008, By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 01/07/08 Dedicated and disciplined firefighter retires WALTHAM - Growing up, David Grigorakos never had to look at comic book stars to recognize a hero because he had his father, who didn't have a bright-colored emblem across his chest but a Waltham Fire Department patch on his sleeve. A former Marine and Waltham resident, Deputy Chief Mike Grigorakos first stepped onto Engine 1 on Jan. 6, 1980, as a firefighter, and rounded out his career as the department's trainer for the city's firefighters. "At times is was scary," said David Grigorakos, 24. "You didn't know if your dad was coming back. He's my hero." But after this weekend, David Grigorakos will no longer have to worry if his father will make it home safely after getting a call for a multiple-alarm fire in the middle night. After exactly 28 years of service, Deputy Chief Mike Grigorakos retired yesterday after completing his last shift. On Friday, city officials, firefighters and friends gathered at the Lexington Street headquarters to say goodbye to a man consistently described as dedicated and disciplined - two traits that are likely the lasting effects of his time as a Marine. "Mike is probably the most dedicated man we've had. We probably could use 173 (firefighters) like him," said Fire Chief Richard Cardillo. "If he didn't know the answer to something, he'd go and get it for you. He's been an asset to this department." For the past five years Grigorakos supervised the department's training program to provide ongoing professional development. "He had to have everything perfect all the time for the safety of his men," said Dick Murphy, who had a business relationship with Grigorakos as a vendor for Industrial Professional Services, which provides the city with fire equipment. Because of his Marine training, said Murphy, Grigorakos was "not willing to accept mediocrity" from others and himself. Local 866 President Bob Marshall previously worked alongside Grigorakos. "He was very dedicated to his job," Marshall said. "He was a leader, not a follower." Since joining the ranks less than five years ago, firefighter Gary Delosa is still fairly new to the department. Delosa was one of the many firefighters trained by Grigorakos when he started. "He's always been a perfectionist, so he takes it to heart that we should know our job when it comes to life safety. He was very adamant that we knew what we were doing," said Delosa, who was trained in first response procedures, firefighting techniques, search and rescue, terrorist events and hazardous materials by Grigorakos. As the liaison between the Emergency Medical Services and the WFD, American Medical Response employee Carla Orta coordinated the in-house training with Grigorakos. "This is probably one of the easiest departments I've ever had to work with," said Orta, who credits Grigorakos as the reason. "He never gives you a hard time. He is professional. He's courteous." Amid the laughter filling the fire station's packed meeting room, Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy arrived to present Grigorakos with a resolution to recognize his dedication to the city. Although Grigorakos respectfully declined to comment about his time in Waltham, he briefly addressed his fellow firefighters at the beginning of the in-house party. Even though his time at the station is over, "there's another ride out there waiting," Grigorakos said. "This ride is over." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Mon Jan 07, 2008, By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 12/19/07 No assembly required WALTHAM - Standing over a pink and purple girl's bicycle decorated with Disney characters, Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Turner made sure the wheels he helped assemble rolled smoothly. A 25-year veteran of the Waltham department, Turner joined a handful of volunteers from the Waltham firefighters union this week who donated their time to assemble bikes for The Salvation Army's Wish Upon a Star program. "I can give a few hours, it's the least I can do for the kids," Turner said. "The city's been good to me." Every year The Salvation Army solicits Christmas gifts for needy Waltham families. For the past 11 years, the Waltham firefighters union has contributed brand-new bicycles assembled and ready to go under the tree. "We started doing this program because it was one of the programs that directly affects kids in the Waltham area," said Lt. Jim Perry, who has been participating in the program since it began. On Tuesday night firefighters spent hours putting together everything from tricycles for toddlers to 26-inch bikes for teenagers. Over the years, Perry said, the program has grown from donating about 40 bikes to an average of 75. "They (firefighters) really add to the quality of the (Wish Upon a Star) program," said Salvation Army Capt. Lolita Sanchez. Sanchez organized rooms full of gifts in the Main Street office space donated to the nonprofit organization for its annual collection. She said Wish Upon a Star will provide presents for 832 children in the Waltham area whose families could not otherwise afford them. The low- and middle-income families who qualify for the program also receive food for their holiday meals, Sanchez said. "There are just a lot of children in need," Sanchez said, adding the organization still needs more donations for older children. Bicycles of all sizes and colors filled the room Tuesday night as the off-duty firefighters tightened nuts and chains. Perry, who has two sons, said the firefighters spend time assembling the bikes instead of handing them to families in pieces to save parents the time and make Christmas morning more exciting for the children. "When I was a lot younger my family went through some tough times when my father was sick and a lot of people stepped up to help my family out. This is a way that I can kind of give back," Perry said. Though he has made donations to the program in the past, this was Lt. John Craig's first year volunteering to assemble the bikes. "It's a learning process," Craig said laughing. "But there's a definite need to help out a bit." Sanchez said parents will pick up donated gifts from The Salvation Army today and tomorrow. At the same time, the organization is struggling to meet its $100,000 fundraising goal though its kettle program, she said. The program, which runs through Christmas Eve, has volunteers stand outside businesses with red kettles ringing bells to raise donations for The Salvation Army. So far, Sanchez said, the organization has yet to reach its halfway mark. Money from the kettle program goes to support The Salvation Army year-round helping fund daily feeding programs, a food pantry, an after-school program, and rental and utilities assistance. The Salvation Army is the recipient of this year's Gifts of Hope campaign by the Daily News Tribune. Gifts of Hope donations will help fund the Waltham branch of The Salvation Army's Christmas Castle, holiday dinners, and other programs the organization runs year-round. To contribute, send or drop off donations to The Salvation Army, 33 Myrtle St., Waltham, MA 02453. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Wed Dec 19, 2007, By Nicole Haley/Daily News staff 12/18/07 Five displaced after Saturday's house fire WALTHAM -All Kevin Hyzak remembers from the early Saturday morning fire on Townsend Street was complete commotion. "I was in bed. It was about 2 or 3 in the morning. All I remember was a sense of commotion. People started banging on the doors ... I wasn't sure what was going on," he said. "I tried to come down the stairs and I saw the billows of smoke coming out and I shot out into the street." He and three others made it out safely. Hyzak, an employee of Village Bank in Auburndale, said he was one of the four tenants renting a room in the more than 100-year-old Victorian at 9 Townsend St. Two others and the landlord all escaped; one other tenant was away on a business trip, Hyzak said. He had been living in the home for close to six months. Following the fire Hyzak said he was put up in a hotel by the American Red Cross. "The Red Cross has been absolutely incredible," he said. "They gave me a hotel for a few days. They gave me some cash to be able to buy food while I try get everything together." Hyzak, originally from North Carolina, said he has a brother and a friend he'll be staying with in Worcester. He hopes to be able to move back to Waltham soon. "Christmas is coming up so I guess I will be going to North Carolina. I guess you can say it's good timing," he said. "Everyone that lived there, I felt like was looking out for everyone else. (Landlord) Ted (Starr) was very kind and generous. He seemed to be feeling very guilty about the house burning down." According to Deputy Fire Chief Cliff Richardson, five people lived at the home, including Starr who lived on the top floor and four occupants, who were renting rooms. Yesterday afternoon, Starr declined comment to a Tribune photographer at the home, which stood boarded up with burned furniture and laundry strewn across the front lawn. Richardson said Waltham firefighters initially stormed into the home but were forced out by the blaze sometime after 3 a.m. "They did start an interior attack and the fire had grown to the point that we ordered everyone out of the building," he said, adding it took about two hours to get the blaze under control. Richardson said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The department is investigating whether a smoldering mattress placed outside the home could have ignited the blaze. Representatives of the American Red Cross said that other tenants of the home were too distraught to speak with members of the media yesterday. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Tue Dec 18, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 11/04/07 Electrical fire delays art event Fire officials say a transformer overloaded yesterday during the Waltham Open Studios event on Moody Street. WALTHAM - An electrical fire ignited yesterday during Waltham Open Studios, forcing the art exhibit to close down temporarily and sending sparks flying onto parked cars. The fire, believed to be caused by an overloaded transformer on a utility pole, broke out just after 4 p.m. yesterday, according to acting Deputy Fire Chief Roger Hebert of the Waltham Fire Department. "It was outside the building the whole time," he said. "We had to wait for NStar to come turn the power off because we can't throw water on an electrical fire." Only one fire engine company responded to put out the fire outside of 144 Moody Street, Building 18. No damage was reported to the building. The fire occurred during the last hour of the 31st Annual Waltham Mills Artists Association Open Studios, cutting the event short for many artists and art enthusiasts. Meghan Van Alstyne, 21, an artist from Jamaica Plain, traveled to Waltham to host a studio event for an artist who was vacationing. "There was a nice big crowd watching the sparks shoot out of the telephone poll," she said. "I heard a lot of people say that they were in the middle of finalizing sales and they had to leave the building because they were at risk for a fire." Local artist Carl West was inside the building when "the lights flickered and went out." West's business partner Michael Bergman, witnessed the transformer's explosion first hand. "It was a small fire that started on the poll and it became a bigger fire," Bergman said. "While we were there it burned through several (power cables) that fell onto cars." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Sun Nov 04, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 11/02/07 Crescent Street crash disrupts power for thousands WALTHAM - A Waltham man racked up 13 criminal charges and knocked out power to 2,100 NStar customers after his car snapped a utility pole in half while speeding down Crescent Street Halloween night, police said. Police rescued David Cristofori, 39, from his 1995 Jeep Cherokee which caught fire after it struck the pole and tree shortly before 10 p.m. Cristofori, arrested on his fifth drunken driving charge, was taken by ambulance to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with a head laceration. He was listed in good condition last night, according to Zineb Marchoudi, spokesman for the hospital. Before the crash, Cristofori led police on a chase, the details of which were unavailable last night. A neighbor at the corner of Crescent Street and Norumbega Terrace, who asked that his name not be used, said he was home waiting for trick-or-treaters when he heard a large explosion. ``I was watching TV. I heard a crash and then I heard another big crash. He hit the pole and then the tree and the car caught flames,'' said the man. ``They ripped him out of the car. I thought he was dead.'' The neighbor said that in the past three decades on Crescent Street, speeding has been a major problem. ``My fence has been hit at least 15 times in the last 30 years,'' he said. ``I've talked to the mayor and the police. They say all you got to do is get a plate number. What are we going to do? Sit out here and wait for plate numbers? It's 30 mph and people are doing like 50.'' Yesterday, Verizon work crews were installing a new utility pole on Crescent Street, as downed wires draped across the front lawns of nearby houses. Mike Durand, spokesman for NStar electric, said that 20 minutes after the accident was reported, workers restored power to 1,300 out of the 2,100 customers affected. ``We did what is called `switching.' Out in the field, we try to use other equipment whenever possible to bring in electricity around the damaged equipment,'' Durand said. ``There were about 650 customers that had their power restored with in 1« to 2« hours. ... The remaining customers, about 150, had power restored after 10 hours.'' Durand said NStar brought in a portable generator to restore power to a local nursing home ``as quickly as (they) could.'' Besides the drunken driving charge, Cristofori, of 206 Hammond St., has been charged with possession of cocaine, possession of Klonopin, a tranquilizer, possession of marijuana, driving to endanger, leaving the scene of an accident after knowingly causing property damage, failure to stop for a police officer, having a revoked license, improper care in turning, speeding, running a stop sign, failure to keep right and failure to stay in marked lanes. As of last night, Cristofori still hadn't been arraigned on the charges, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's office. The accident remains under investigation by the Waltham Police Accident Reconstruction Team. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Fri Nov 02, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 10/14/07 Fire prevention week concludes in Waltham WALTHAM - Swarms of children transformed the Central Fire Station on Lexington Street into their own personal playground yesterday. During the early afternoon, an open house complete with pizza, soda and games marked the conclusion of a weeklong fire prevention program taught in Waltham middle schools. Clad in red plastic helmets, the youth climbed ladders and ogled at sliding down fire poles and explaining the mechanics of ladder trucks to their eager minds. "I can't believe how smart they are," said Chuck Vinciulla, a firefighter stationed at the Moody Street Fire Station. "They seem to really pick up on everything." Vinciulla said he's helped teach the fire prevention program for the past five years. "Kindergarten to third grade is generally the age group that we deal with," he said. "They are very responsive. Every year we get new questions. They are very aware and it's always a challenge to answer the new questions." For Melissa Lelievre, a firefighter stationed at Central Station, she said the most rewarding aspect about teaching the children is seeing them remember fire safety lessons in later grades. "When we talk to second- and third-graders, it's good to see what they remember from the year before," she said. "Hopefully in the event of an emergency, they would remember this stuff." For Lt. Richard Grant, the purpose of the open house was more to celebrate the end of fire prevention week and to leave a lasting impression on local youth. "We want them to see what life is like in a fire station and to let them know we are their friends," he said. "Plan your escape is this year's theme." Mike Quinn Jr., a firefighter stationed at Central Station, stressed the importance of having children know their address and location in case of an emergency. "We teach the kids that you do fire drills at school, you should really do a fire drill with your family," he said. "A lot of people don't realize 911 calls with cell phones do not go to the fire station, it goes to the state police. The kids really have to know where they are, their names and addresses." For the children, the highlight of yesterday afternoon was Patches, a robotic remote control dog that speaks, squirts water and drives a fire truck. Patches accompanies firefighters when they speak at schools. "I came down here to see the fire trucks and I came down here to see Patches," said Antonio Hernandez, 9, of Waltham. "They came to my school and brought him and they talked about him." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Sun Oct 14, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 10/01/07 Suspicions ruled out in Weston fire WESTON - The cause of an early morning fire that heavily damaged a home at 269-271 North Ave. on Sept. 14 has been determined to be electrical. Initial reports from dispatchers at the Weston Fire Department had described the fire as "suspicious." Investigating were the Weston Fire and Police departments and state police assigned to the Fire and Explosion Investigation team in the Office of the State Fire Marshal. In a statement released by Jennifer Mieth, public information officer for the state's Department of Fire Services, investigators determined the fire started in the ceiling between the first and second floors at the site of an electrical cable. No injuries were reported in the fire, which was extinguished by 30 firefighters from Weston, Wayland, Wellesley, Lincoln, Waltham and Newton. The home was not occupied at the time. The historic home was an "Italianate" house dating back to the 1850s, according to Weston historian Pamela Fox. It was torn down last week at the request of Building Inspector Courtney W. Atkinson, who certified the site as unsafe. The house had recently been sold by retired Weston Officer Tom Healey, who now lives in Lincoln, to developer Paul McMann on June 17, according to Bob McCormack of McCormack Adjusters. The final closing price for the two-family home was $725,000, according to McCormack. Link to story on the MetroWest Daily News Site on Mon Oct 01, 2007 by Michael Wyner and Gabriel Leiner/Daily News staff 09/25/07 Officials seeking cause of fire Weston - The cause of a fire that started on the second floor of a Weston home and eventually burned the entire building to the ground on Sept. 14 is still under investigation, according to interim Chief Fire Administrator Joseph Daniele. According to Weston Fire Lt. Justin Woodside, the fire was reported at a historic two-family home at 271 North Ave. at about 2:35 a.m. No injuries were reported in the fire, which was extinguished by a total of 30 firefighters from Weston, Wayland, Wellesley, Lincoln, Waltham and Newton. "We don’t know the cause and don’t know when we expect to find out," said Daniele. Fire Capt. Donald Bardsley said crews are still examining the physical remains of the house. The ongoing investigations follow those conducted by crews immediately after the fire, as Weston police and fire remained at the scene for about 12 hours on Sept. 14 collecting evidence with the help of a state fire marshal. Initial reports from dispatchers at the Weston Fire Department described it as "a suspicious fire." At the scene of the fire, Woodside added the fire was reported by a "passing motorist who did not say where he was coming from or where he was going." The house had recently been sold by retired Weston policeman Tom Healey, who now lives in Lincoln, to developer Paul McMann on June 17, according to Bob McCormack of McCormack Adjusters. The final closing price for the two-family home was $725,000, according to McCormack. Daniele said the historic home was torn down last week at the request of Building Inspector Courtney W. Atkinson, who certified the site as an unsafe area. According to "Farm Town to Suburb" by historian Pamela Fox, the house was an "Italianate house" dating back to the 1850s. Link to story on the MetroWest Daily News Site on Tue Sep 25, 2007,by Gabriel Leiner 08/31/07 Lawns withering under dry spell Waltham -A relentless drought has workers on the Waltham Fields Community Farm moving irrigation systems around the fields every day this month to keep crops hydrated. "It's definitely really, really dry out there - even just walking around the farm the grass is crunchy," said farm Executive Director Meg Coward. "We're growing food but it's definitely been more of a challenge (this summer)." The farm's six acres off Beaver Street are parched after an exceptionally dry August. "We are in what they classify as a dry spell," said Charlie Foley, a National Weather Service meteorologist. "There is a considerable rainfall deficit." The Boston area received just over 3 inches of rainfall this month, which is about 2<+>1<+>/<->2<-> inches below normal for this time of year, Foley said. Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo said the lack of rain can be an ominous for firefighters. "We do have concern for the wooded areas, if a small fire started out there it could spread very easily," Cardillo said. The effects of the drought are especially apparent looking at the brittle, brown grass covering Waltham Common and its trees that are already starting to change their colors. "The water is a serious issue right now and the drought is very evident in the Waltham Common," said Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy. "The tops of a couple of the maples right near the Sovereign Bank building are starting to turn red." McCarthy said she is looking into digging a well at the common, which she says would be less costly to the city than installing a large sprinkler system. "I'm trying to get a natural source of water," McCarthy said. Since Waltham gets its water from a state agency, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, the city is not facing the same water restrictions that other towns with their own water supplies have been implementing. "All you can do for a drought is have irrigation systems, which we've put into many of the playgrounds over the years," said Stewart LaCrosse, assistant director of the Consolidated Public Works Department. "I think this has been a dry summer, though it's not anything that we haven't seen in the past." LaCrosse said somebody goes down to the common Monday through Friday to water plants by hand. LaCrosse said there is already a small irrigation system around the Circle of Remembrance, a veterans memorial on the common. "I hope to be able to see some (more) irrigation out there maybe next year," said LaCrosse. He said drilling a well is a possibility but there is no guarantee it would provide enough water. LaCrosse said the city works hard to maintain the common grounds and before the dry spell hit, he says, the grass looked greener than he had seen in some time. "This spring it happened to look better than I've seen it in many, many years," LaCrosse said. With the weekly Concerts on the Common series, summer festivals, and just the general rise in people walking outside during the summer, the grounds are heavily used and it takes more to maintain them, he said. "We have so much activity on the common and we don't want to deter that either, we want people to use it and be able to enjoy it," LaCrosse said. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Fri Aug 31, 2007,By Nicole Haley/Daily News staff 08/28/07 WFD Called to Brandies May 26-A male individual reported seeing smoke in the Sachar area. The area was checked due to the heavy smell of smoke. Officers confirmed the report of a large brush fire, and notified the Waltham Fire Department who extinguished the fire without incident. Link to Story from the Brandies Universary Justice Police Log on Tuesday August 28, 2007 07/26/07 Impact of fire hits 2 businesses Firefighters in Waltham battled an accidental four-alarm blaze in a building that included Sal's Family Restaurant. Firefighters in Waltham battled an accidental four-alarm blaze in a building that included Sal's Family Restaurant. WALTHAM -- For Salvatore "Sal" Pinzone it didn't really hit home that his restaurant was gone until last Friday, when workers digging through the rubble of the burned-out building found the safe where he kept the evening's receipts and the next day's change. "It was like I was taking the last bones out of a body," Pinzone said, shaking his head, which at 79-and-a-half is heavy with gray curls. He was still wearing his white uniform -- now dusted with soot -- which reads "Sal's Pizza" in embroidery on the left side. "Everything that I worked for in my life." An accidental fire on July 15 left a burned-out shell in place of the restaurant. It also destroyed California Convenience, a neighboring store. Waltham fire officials say that the fire started in the basement of Sal's, probably from an electrical malfunction or a gas leak that somehow ignited. Someone who didn't know Sal's Family Restaurant, who'd never run into old friends there or eaten a plate of pasta with the establishment's famous marinara sauce, might see the contents of that safe as the sole undamaged material proof of that life: $189 in tens, fives, ones, and coins. But generations of Sal's customers know better. They've told him so in dozens of letters, cards, and phone calls expressing their sympathies and thanks for all the good food and good times. Sitting at the kitchen table in his home, Pinzone picks out one letter in particular. It tells him that the sum of a good life isn't measured by what one builds, or by the material things left behind -- it's measured in good deeds, hospitality, and friends who stand with you when everything else is gone. Pinzone still isn't sure if he will rebuild. The expense of replacing the equipment alone, never mind the building, is huge. He said he had finally reached a point where he didn't owe anything, and he doesn't know if he wants to amass new debt as he nears his ninth decade of life. Santosh Suvedi, who owns California Convenience, said he's still in shock over the loss. At 35, he wants to rebuild -- if not on the same site, then somewhere else in the city. This was the first business he has had in this country since moving from Nepal 10 years ago. Seeing the venture he started only a few months ago in ashes is "frustrating," he said, but he's determined to build it back up, no matter how long it takes. "Definitely I'm going to restart the business. I'm not going to give up, you know," said Suvedi, who is married and has a 6-year-old daughter. "I like the Waltham area -- Waltham as a city is very good." In the meantime, Suvedi said he'll go back to a part-time job at Citizens Bank until he can save enough money to return to the business. State Representative Peter Koutoujian, who lives down the street from Sal's, said he's trying to help Pinzone and Suvedi find government resources to help them rebuild. Among the options are disaster-relief loans from the Small Business Administration and help from the state Secretary of Economic Development. Whatever the future holds, Pinzone cherishes the 41 years of the restaurant's existence. "Sincere thanks to all our customers from the bottom of my heart -- to the ones who I knew their first name, and to the ones whose names I didn't know, for stepping through the door and allowing us to make an honest living," Pinzone said. Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 26, 2007, By Stephanie Siek, Globe Staff More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/20/07 Sal’s fire ruled an accident WALTHAM - The blaze that gutted Sal’s Family Restaurant and California Convenience store Sunday was an accident and not arson, authorities said yesterday. Link to Story from the Boston Herald on Thur. July 20, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/ Daily News TribuneAnd the Boston Channel.com More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/16/07 Waltham landmark destroyed by fire Waltham -A four-alarm fire at 470 Main St. destroyed two businesses yesterday morning, sending three firefighters to the hospital with minor injuries after a floor gave way during the blaze. Sal's Family Restaurant, a fixture in the neighborhood for more than 40 years, and California Convenience store lay in ruins yesterday afternoon, with burnt waste and ashes littering Main Street near Newton Street. Both business were in the same building. Fire Chief Richard Cardillo estimated the damage to be close to $2 million. He said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. "This was a pretty severe fire. Anytime you lose a business or a home I consider it a huge loss," Cardillo said. "I attended this restaurant as a kid." According to Cardillo, Waltham firefighters were called to the blaze at 5:33 a.m. About 10 minutes into battling the fire, the first floor of the building collapsed and two firefighters fell through. "What we're assuming is this started as a cellar fire. As the firefighters were investigating, the floor gave way," Cardillo said. "We were able to conduct a rescue and pull them out." Cardillo praised firefighter Dwight Anderson who was lowered into the cellar to rescue his trapped comrades. The two firefighters who fell through the floor and another firefighter who was helping to rescue them suffered minor injuries. They were treated and released from Newton Wellesly Hospital. As of yesterday, the Waltham Fire Department had not released the names of the injured firefighters. All 10 of Waltham's firefighting companies were sent to the fire and were assisted by firefighters from six communities - Arlington, Cambridge, Lexington, Newton, Watertown and Weston. Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy was at the scene of the fire yesterday speaking to local police, firefighters and residents. "It's a very sad day because (Sal's) was a fixture in Waltham," McCarthy said. "They are a wonderful family. It's very sad." Sal Pinzone, 79, ran the family owned eatery. Yesterday, his son, Michael, talked about the restaurant's legacy. "We grew up here. Back in the late '60s this used to be the corner and all the local kids would hang out on the corner," Michael said, staring at the smoldering storefront. "My dad spent his entire life cooking. There isn't anyone in Waltham that doesn't know Sal's." Michael said he hopes his father can rebuild the restaurant. "I'd love to help him," he said. "If we have the opportunity, I'd love to." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jun 07, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 07/16/07 Fire ravages legacy built by immigrant in Waltham WALTHAM -- For 41 years on Main Street, the Italian immigrant served lunchtime workers and families seeking affordable dinners, like the elbow macaroni slathered with tomato and meat sauce for $4.95 that he christened "American chop suey." Salvatore Pinzone -- Sal to his customers -- catered to masses, except for Thanksgiving, when he cooked for his family. Early yesterday, that legacy was reduced to blackened beams and broken glass, when a fire damaged much of Sal's Family Restaurant and a convenience store next door, at Newton Street. Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo said the cause of the fire, which was reported about 5 a.m. and claimed parts of the roof, was under investigation. "What should my next step be at 79 1/2 ?" said Pinzone, who lives near the restaurant and in a rare occasion missed his 10 a.m. Mass. "So many people have been inconvenienced." Several city residents, including Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, said they hope Sal's reopens. "It's inbred," said McCarthy, who came with her family for the chop suey or fish and chips at least once a week. "This was a family restaurant." The man who created one of Waltham's signature institutions came from Filicudi , an island near Sicily measuring fewer than 6 square miles. In 1947, 19-year-old Pinzone enjoyed working as a fisherman, but made half the pay of his senior counterparts. So when his father and uncle summoned him to Massachusetts, he boarded an American troop transport ship. "I wanted to see what America had to offer me, so I went on my own," he said. He helped his father and uncle at their new restaurant, Colonial Kitchen in Waltham, then moved on to enlist in and cook for the National Guard. But he knew he wanted his own place. After 14 attempts, he opened Sal's in 1966 at an old bakery on Main Street. A few years later, he bought an adjacent supermarket to convert to a dining room, with blue '50s-style booths that filled up for lunch and dinner every day . Lately, Pinzone has arrived by 10 a.m. seven days a week, and on Tuesday mornings he's been driving to Costco to spend $700 on groceries. "This was his kingdom," said Pinzone's son Michael, 49, who lives in Long Island, N.Y., but was at the scene yesterday. "This was everything he owned." Three years ago, as his wife urged him to retire, Pinzone bought the cleaners next door. His son Jon, an artist from Waltham, created an elaborate countertop of gold leaf suspended in polyurethane and a fish tank that hid in a column. Pinzone had hoped to open the bar this fall. "It's awful," said Salvatore Jr., 40, who, like Pinzone's five other children, grew up helping out at the restaurant. He stayed on for 17 years as a chef and manager. "It's like I lost one of my closest friends." The elder Salvatore did not know whether his insurance would cover the $100,000 he said he has spent on the bar, or if he would be able to reopen. With smoke wafting from the interior of charred beams yesterday, he prepared to drive home. "Son of a gun," he said, shaking his head. Edmund Tarallo, a ward councilor, said the restaurant can count on the support of city officials if the Pinzones decide to rebuild. "It was the flavor of the family-ness and the personal touch that Sal and his family put into the restaurant. That went a long way to making it something part of the community." He said city officials could help with the "permitting process and those sorts of things" to allow them to rebuild as fast as possible. "Every generation has taken their turn of eating Sal's pizza and their fried clams," said Lori Kelly, 44, a longtime city resident and customer, whose husband is a ward councilor. "It's gonna be definitely a loss to the community. I would hope that they rebuild. It's just always been there, people that you recognize working behind the counter. Pizza places come and go, but this is the same family." Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 16, 2007, By April Yee Globe Correspondent More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/16/07 Jakes OK after rescue from Waltham fire Two firefighters had to be rescued from a four-alarm fire in Waltham yesterday morning that torched two businesses causing $2 million in damage. Link to Story from the Boston Herald on Thur. July 16, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/ Daily News Tribune More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/15/07 Fire destroys Waltham convenience store, restaurant WALTHAM -- Dwight Andersen, a Waltham firefighter, was nearing the end of a 24-hour overtime shift when the alarm rang around 5 a.m. this morning. A convenience store and family restaurant were ablaze on Main Street. Shortly after Andersen arrived on the scene, he learned that two firefighters had fallen through a floor and plunged 10 feet into the basement. Andersen was lowered into the burning building, and pulled the two men to safety. Neither was injured, but they were rushed to Newton-Wellesley Hospital to be treated for exhaustion. The fire destroyed much of the interior of California Convenience Store, as well as Sal's Family Restaurant, a Waltham institution that has served up American chop suey and fish and chips to regulars for 41 years. This morning, family and neighbors crowded behind the yellow police tape at the intersection of Newton and Main streets. Salvatore Pinzone, 79, the owner of Sal's, said he had just finished building a bar that he had hoped to open this fall. A woman stopped by the scene, where firefighters still worked into the afternoon, and offered her sympathy to Pinzone. He kissed her hand, and said, "Pazienza." Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 15, 2007, By April Yee Globe Correspondent View the photo gallery on Boston.com More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/12/07 Waltham Fire Department Kids Summer Camp In SessionWFD Summer Camp Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thur. July 12, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website 07/07/07 Waltham's longest serving firefighter retiresLt. William Kresser's Retirement Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Mon. July 09, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website Photos of Lt. Kresser's Last Shift Submitted by Rick Mitchell, Courtsey of Waltham Firefighters Welfare & ReliefLt. William Kresser stands beside his Fire Engine, Engine 1.Lt. Kresser holds honorary plaque surrounded by his fellow firefighters. 06/07/07 WFD Response to Laboratory Fire at Brandeis Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jun 07, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website
2/01/08 Two-alarm fire on Calvary Street WALTHAM - Firefighters battled a fire Friday afternoon that heavily damaged two apartments inside a Calvary Street multi-family home. Just after noon, the first-floor apartment in a four-unit house at 20 Calvary St. caught fire. According to Deputy Chief Michael Quinn, "the fire originated in the first floor ceiling area. It extended to the second and third floors on the left side of the house." No one was injured during the two-alarm fire, said Quinn. It was not immediately known how the fire started. "It’s under investigation. It’s too soon to tell," said Quinn. As crews battled the blaze and heavy smoke conditions, several second and third floor windows were smashed by firefighters to provide access to the second and third floors. Two ladder trucks were extended to the second floor and crews rolled out five water lines. A combination of eight ladder trucks and engines responded to the scene. Two of the apartments on the left side of the building were damaged heavily by fire and water, said Quinn. The remaining two apartments were smoke damaged. Fausto Fernandez, whose family rents one of the apartments inside the home that was not severely damaged during the fire, stood across the street while crews worked. Fernandez said his uncle, who was outside when the fire began, lives in the first floor apartment where the blaze started. His uncle was the first person to notice the fire inside the apartment and immediately called 911, said Fernandez. Everyone who was inside the building got out quickly, he added. Carol and Rick Mazzola stood outside in the freezing rain and wind to watch as firefighters worked. The couple lives directly behind the building on Liverpool Lane. Based on their observations, "it started in the kitchen. We could see fire. That was the first place (firefighters) entered," said Rick Mazzola, pointing to the second floor rear window. "It just happened so quick. We wanted to make sure everyone was out," he said. After firefighters had extinguished the flames and secured the area, tenants living on the right side of the building were allowed to survey the damage. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Fri Feb 01, 2008,By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 1/13/08 Pedestrian hit, killed on Rte. 128 WESTON - A 44-year-old man was killed last night on Rte. 128 in Weston after getting out of his vehicle, which was stopped in the breakdown lane, and being hit by a tractor-trailer truck, state police said. Police said after coming to a stop in the breakdown lane and getting out of his Dodge Durango, the driver was struck by a 2002 Kenworth tractor-trailer. The accident occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. on the southbound side of Rte. 128 just after Rte. 20. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not release the man's name pending notification of his relatives. According the state police, preliminary investigations have determined the man was near the white fog line separating the right travel lane and the breakdown lane when he was struck. The identity of the victim was not released. James Glovacki, 55, of Greenfield, was the driver of the tractor-trailer. He was not injured in the accident, police said. State Trooper Eric Benson said it was too early to determine if anyone is at fault for the fatal accident. "This is very preliminary (information). It's extremely early and it's unclear now," said Benson, "It will continue to evolve, I'm sure, for quite some time." The crash is being investigated by the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. The Weston Police, Weston Fire Department and Waltham Police assisted the troopers on scene. The state's medical examiner also responded to the scene. While the accident scene was investigated and cleared the two right travel lanes were closed for nearly three hours. During that time, traffic was diverted around the accident and into the two left lanes of Rte. 128 South. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Sun Jan 13, 2008,By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 1/10/08 Area fire officials on alert Since carbon monoxide detectors are now required in every home, fire departments across the state are regularly answering calls for elevated levels of the odorless gas, proving to state officials that the new law has merit. "It (means the law) is working," said State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan. "We're very pleased that it is." Emergency calls for carbon monoxide across the state nearly doubled from 2005 to 2006, according to statistics compiled by the Department of Fire Services. Since coming into effect in 2006, "Nicole's Law," named after Nicole Garofalo, 7, who died Jan. 28, 2005 of carbon monoxide poisoning in Plymouth, the owner of every residential building must install detectors on each habitable floor and within 10 feet of every bedroom. As of this year, all housing facilities owned by the state, which includes public housing, must have detectors. Carbon monoxide builds up in homes where fossil fuels, such as natural gas and oil, are used for heating. Over time, carbon monoxide causes dizziness, headaches, fatigue and, in some cases, death. The detectors, said Coan, have saved lives. Fire departments are answering calls before people are sickened or killed, Coan said. Homeowners who do not install detectors will face penalties when they sell or transfer their houses. As of March 31, 2006, fire departments are required to inspect all homes for the detectors upon sales or transfers. Although local fire departments have not seen the spike in calls reported statewide, firefighters are routinely responding to activated carbon monoxide detectors. "Ninety percent of the time we have a problem it's from a heating unit malfunctioning," said Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo. Winter is typically the busiest time for carbon monoxide calls because homes are not well-ventilated and snow builds up around heating vents, he said. "If your hot water heater or your heating system is vented to the outside and the snow is blocking the vent, the exhaust is coming into the house," said Cardillo. Homeowner should clear their vents while shoveling their driveways, he said. The detectors are "pretty self-sufficient" and mostly require homeowners to only change the batteries, said Cardillo. "Keep the batteries fresh. Change them when you (reset) the clocks," he said. In Newton, Fire Prevention Lt. Robert Binnall said there has not been a dramatic increase in calls this year over last, "but we do get a decent amount of calls on them." Like Waltham firefighters have found, the majority of calls are for carbon monoxide detectors that are going off because the batteries need to be changed or the home's heating unit is malfunctioning. But even the false calls are good, said Binnall, because it reminds homeowners of the potential of danger. "Before, they didn't even know anything was in the house," Binnall said. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jan 10, 2008, By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 01/07/08 Dedicated and disciplined firefighter retires WALTHAM - Growing up, David Grigorakos never had to look at comic book stars to recognize a hero because he had his father, who didn't have a bright-colored emblem across his chest but a Waltham Fire Department patch on his sleeve. A former Marine and Waltham resident, Deputy Chief Mike Grigorakos first stepped onto Engine 1 on Jan. 6, 1980, as a firefighter, and rounded out his career as the department's trainer for the city's firefighters. "At times is was scary," said David Grigorakos, 24. "You didn't know if your dad was coming back. He's my hero." But after this weekend, David Grigorakos will no longer have to worry if his father will make it home safely after getting a call for a multiple-alarm fire in the middle night. After exactly 28 years of service, Deputy Chief Mike Grigorakos retired yesterday after completing his last shift. On Friday, city officials, firefighters and friends gathered at the Lexington Street headquarters to say goodbye to a man consistently described as dedicated and disciplined - two traits that are likely the lasting effects of his time as a Marine. "Mike is probably the most dedicated man we've had. We probably could use 173 (firefighters) like him," said Fire Chief Richard Cardillo. "If he didn't know the answer to something, he'd go and get it for you. He's been an asset to this department." For the past five years Grigorakos supervised the department's training program to provide ongoing professional development. "He had to have everything perfect all the time for the safety of his men," said Dick Murphy, who had a business relationship with Grigorakos as a vendor for Industrial Professional Services, which provides the city with fire equipment. Because of his Marine training, said Murphy, Grigorakos was "not willing to accept mediocrity" from others and himself. Local 866 President Bob Marshall previously worked alongside Grigorakos. "He was very dedicated to his job," Marshall said. "He was a leader, not a follower." Since joining the ranks less than five years ago, firefighter Gary Delosa is still fairly new to the department. Delosa was one of the many firefighters trained by Grigorakos when he started. "He's always been a perfectionist, so he takes it to heart that we should know our job when it comes to life safety. He was very adamant that we knew what we were doing," said Delosa, who was trained in first response procedures, firefighting techniques, search and rescue, terrorist events and hazardous materials by Grigorakos. As the liaison between the Emergency Medical Services and the WFD, American Medical Response employee Carla Orta coordinated the in-house training with Grigorakos. "This is probably one of the easiest departments I've ever had to work with," said Orta, who credits Grigorakos as the reason. "He never gives you a hard time. He is professional. He's courteous." Amid the laughter filling the fire station's packed meeting room, Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy arrived to present Grigorakos with a resolution to recognize his dedication to the city. Although Grigorakos respectfully declined to comment about his time in Waltham, he briefly addressed his fellow firefighters at the beginning of the in-house party. Even though his time at the station is over, "there's another ride out there waiting," Grigorakos said. "This ride is over." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Mon Jan 07, 2008, By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 12/19/07 No assembly required WALTHAM - Standing over a pink and purple girl's bicycle decorated with Disney characters, Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Turner made sure the wheels he helped assemble rolled smoothly. A 25-year veteran of the Waltham department, Turner joined a handful of volunteers from the Waltham firefighters union this week who donated their time to assemble bikes for The Salvation Army's Wish Upon a Star program. "I can give a few hours, it's the least I can do for the kids," Turner said. "The city's been good to me." Every year The Salvation Army solicits Christmas gifts for needy Waltham families. For the past 11 years, the Waltham firefighters union has contributed brand-new bicycles assembled and ready to go under the tree. "We started doing this program because it was one of the programs that directly affects kids in the Waltham area," said Lt. Jim Perry, who has been participating in the program since it began. On Tuesday night firefighters spent hours putting together everything from tricycles for toddlers to 26-inch bikes for teenagers. Over the years, Perry said, the program has grown from donating about 40 bikes to an average of 75. "They (firefighters) really add to the quality of the (Wish Upon a Star) program," said Salvation Army Capt. Lolita Sanchez. Sanchez organized rooms full of gifts in the Main Street office space donated to the nonprofit organization for its annual collection. She said Wish Upon a Star will provide presents for 832 children in the Waltham area whose families could not otherwise afford them. The low- and middle-income families who qualify for the program also receive food for their holiday meals, Sanchez said. "There are just a lot of children in need," Sanchez said, adding the organization still needs more donations for older children. Bicycles of all sizes and colors filled the room Tuesday night as the off-duty firefighters tightened nuts and chains. Perry, who has two sons, said the firefighters spend time assembling the bikes instead of handing them to families in pieces to save parents the time and make Christmas morning more exciting for the children. "When I was a lot younger my family went through some tough times when my father was sick and a lot of people stepped up to help my family out. This is a way that I can kind of give back," Perry said. Though he has made donations to the program in the past, this was Lt. John Craig's first year volunteering to assemble the bikes. "It's a learning process," Craig said laughing. "But there's a definite need to help out a bit." Sanchez said parents will pick up donated gifts from The Salvation Army today and tomorrow. At the same time, the organization is struggling to meet its $100,000 fundraising goal though its kettle program, she said. The program, which runs through Christmas Eve, has volunteers stand outside businesses with red kettles ringing bells to raise donations for The Salvation Army. So far, Sanchez said, the organization has yet to reach its halfway mark. Money from the kettle program goes to support The Salvation Army year-round helping fund daily feeding programs, a food pantry, an after-school program, and rental and utilities assistance. The Salvation Army is the recipient of this year's Gifts of Hope campaign by the Daily News Tribune. Gifts of Hope donations will help fund the Waltham branch of The Salvation Army's Christmas Castle, holiday dinners, and other programs the organization runs year-round. To contribute, send or drop off donations to The Salvation Army, 33 Myrtle St., Waltham, MA 02453. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Wed Dec 19, 2007, By Nicole Haley/Daily News staff 12/18/07 Five displaced after Saturday's house fire WALTHAM -All Kevin Hyzak remembers from the early Saturday morning fire on Townsend Street was complete commotion. "I was in bed. It was about 2 or 3 in the morning. All I remember was a sense of commotion. People started banging on the doors ... I wasn't sure what was going on," he said. "I tried to come down the stairs and I saw the billows of smoke coming out and I shot out into the street." He and three others made it out safely. Hyzak, an employee of Village Bank in Auburndale, said he was one of the four tenants renting a room in the more than 100-year-old Victorian at 9 Townsend St. Two others and the landlord all escaped; one other tenant was away on a business trip, Hyzak said. He had been living in the home for close to six months. Following the fire Hyzak said he was put up in a hotel by the American Red Cross. "The Red Cross has been absolutely incredible," he said. "They gave me a hotel for a few days. They gave me some cash to be able to buy food while I try get everything together." Hyzak, originally from North Carolina, said he has a brother and a friend he'll be staying with in Worcester. He hopes to be able to move back to Waltham soon. "Christmas is coming up so I guess I will be going to North Carolina. I guess you can say it's good timing," he said. "Everyone that lived there, I felt like was looking out for everyone else. (Landlord) Ted (Starr) was very kind and generous. He seemed to be feeling very guilty about the house burning down." According to Deputy Fire Chief Cliff Richardson, five people lived at the home, including Starr who lived on the top floor and four occupants, who were renting rooms. Yesterday afternoon, Starr declined comment to a Tribune photographer at the home, which stood boarded up with burned furniture and laundry strewn across the front lawn. Richardson said Waltham firefighters initially stormed into the home but were forced out by the blaze sometime after 3 a.m. "They did start an interior attack and the fire had grown to the point that we ordered everyone out of the building," he said, adding it took about two hours to get the blaze under control. Richardson said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The department is investigating whether a smoldering mattress placed outside the home could have ignited the blaze. Representatives of the American Red Cross said that other tenants of the home were too distraught to speak with members of the media yesterday. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Tue Dec 18, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 11/04/07 Electrical fire delays art event Fire officials say a transformer overloaded yesterday during the Waltham Open Studios event on Moody Street. WALTHAM - An electrical fire ignited yesterday during Waltham Open Studios, forcing the art exhibit to close down temporarily and sending sparks flying onto parked cars. The fire, believed to be caused by an overloaded transformer on a utility pole, broke out just after 4 p.m. yesterday, according to acting Deputy Fire Chief Roger Hebert of the Waltham Fire Department. "It was outside the building the whole time," he said. "We had to wait for NStar to come turn the power off because we can't throw water on an electrical fire." Only one fire engine company responded to put out the fire outside of 144 Moody Street, Building 18. No damage was reported to the building. The fire occurred during the last hour of the 31st Annual Waltham Mills Artists Association Open Studios, cutting the event short for many artists and art enthusiasts. Meghan Van Alstyne, 21, an artist from Jamaica Plain, traveled to Waltham to host a studio event for an artist who was vacationing. "There was a nice big crowd watching the sparks shoot out of the telephone poll," she said. "I heard a lot of people say that they were in the middle of finalizing sales and they had to leave the building because they were at risk for a fire." Local artist Carl West was inside the building when "the lights flickered and went out." West's business partner Michael Bergman, witnessed the transformer's explosion first hand. "It was a small fire that started on the poll and it became a bigger fire," Bergman said. "While we were there it burned through several (power cables) that fell onto cars." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Sun Nov 04, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 11/02/07 Crescent Street crash disrupts power for thousands WALTHAM - A Waltham man racked up 13 criminal charges and knocked out power to 2,100 NStar customers after his car snapped a utility pole in half while speeding down Crescent Street Halloween night, police said. Police rescued David Cristofori, 39, from his 1995 Jeep Cherokee which caught fire after it struck the pole and tree shortly before 10 p.m. Cristofori, arrested on his fifth drunken driving charge, was taken by ambulance to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with a head laceration. He was listed in good condition last night, according to Zineb Marchoudi, spokesman for the hospital. Before the crash, Cristofori led police on a chase, the details of which were unavailable last night. A neighbor at the corner of Crescent Street and Norumbega Terrace, who asked that his name not be used, said he was home waiting for trick-or-treaters when he heard a large explosion. ``I was watching TV. I heard a crash and then I heard another big crash. He hit the pole and then the tree and the car caught flames,'' said the man. ``They ripped him out of the car. I thought he was dead.'' The neighbor said that in the past three decades on Crescent Street, speeding has been a major problem. ``My fence has been hit at least 15 times in the last 30 years,'' he said. ``I've talked to the mayor and the police. They say all you got to do is get a plate number. What are we going to do? Sit out here and wait for plate numbers? It's 30 mph and people are doing like 50.'' Yesterday, Verizon work crews were installing a new utility pole on Crescent Street, as downed wires draped across the front lawns of nearby houses. Mike Durand, spokesman for NStar electric, said that 20 minutes after the accident was reported, workers restored power to 1,300 out of the 2,100 customers affected. ``We did what is called `switching.' Out in the field, we try to use other equipment whenever possible to bring in electricity around the damaged equipment,'' Durand said. ``There were about 650 customers that had their power restored with in 1« to 2« hours. ... The remaining customers, about 150, had power restored after 10 hours.'' Durand said NStar brought in a portable generator to restore power to a local nursing home ``as quickly as (they) could.'' Besides the drunken driving charge, Cristofori, of 206 Hammond St., has been charged with possession of cocaine, possession of Klonopin, a tranquilizer, possession of marijuana, driving to endanger, leaving the scene of an accident after knowingly causing property damage, failure to stop for a police officer, having a revoked license, improper care in turning, speeding, running a stop sign, failure to keep right and failure to stay in marked lanes. As of last night, Cristofori still hadn't been arraigned on the charges, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's office. The accident remains under investigation by the Waltham Police Accident Reconstruction Team. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Fri Nov 02, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 10/14/07 Fire prevention week concludes in Waltham WALTHAM - Swarms of children transformed the Central Fire Station on Lexington Street into their own personal playground yesterday. During the early afternoon, an open house complete with pizza, soda and games marked the conclusion of a weeklong fire prevention program taught in Waltham middle schools. Clad in red plastic helmets, the youth climbed ladders and ogled at sliding down fire poles and explaining the mechanics of ladder trucks to their eager minds. "I can't believe how smart they are," said Chuck Vinciulla, a firefighter stationed at the Moody Street Fire Station. "They seem to really pick up on everything." Vinciulla said he's helped teach the fire prevention program for the past five years. "Kindergarten to third grade is generally the age group that we deal with," he said. "They are very responsive. Every year we get new questions. They are very aware and it's always a challenge to answer the new questions." For Melissa Lelievre, a firefighter stationed at Central Station, she said the most rewarding aspect about teaching the children is seeing them remember fire safety lessons in later grades. "When we talk to second- and third-graders, it's good to see what they remember from the year before," she said. "Hopefully in the event of an emergency, they would remember this stuff." For Lt. Richard Grant, the purpose of the open house was more to celebrate the end of fire prevention week and to leave a lasting impression on local youth. "We want them to see what life is like in a fire station and to let them know we are their friends," he said. "Plan your escape is this year's theme." Mike Quinn Jr., a firefighter stationed at Central Station, stressed the importance of having children know their address and location in case of an emergency. "We teach the kids that you do fire drills at school, you should really do a fire drill with your family," he said. "A lot of people don't realize 911 calls with cell phones do not go to the fire station, it goes to the state police. The kids really have to know where they are, their names and addresses." For the children, the highlight of yesterday afternoon was Patches, a robotic remote control dog that speaks, squirts water and drives a fire truck. Patches accompanies firefighters when they speak at schools. "I came down here to see the fire trucks and I came down here to see Patches," said Antonio Hernandez, 9, of Waltham. "They came to my school and brought him and they talked about him." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Sun Oct 14, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 10/01/07 Suspicions ruled out in Weston fire WESTON - The cause of an early morning fire that heavily damaged a home at 269-271 North Ave. on Sept. 14 has been determined to be electrical. Initial reports from dispatchers at the Weston Fire Department had described the fire as "suspicious." Investigating were the Weston Fire and Police departments and state police assigned to the Fire and Explosion Investigation team in the Office of the State Fire Marshal. In a statement released by Jennifer Mieth, public information officer for the state's Department of Fire Services, investigators determined the fire started in the ceiling between the first and second floors at the site of an electrical cable. No injuries were reported in the fire, which was extinguished by 30 firefighters from Weston, Wayland, Wellesley, Lincoln, Waltham and Newton. The home was not occupied at the time. The historic home was an "Italianate" house dating back to the 1850s, according to Weston historian Pamela Fox. It was torn down last week at the request of Building Inspector Courtney W. Atkinson, who certified the site as unsafe. The house had recently been sold by retired Weston Officer Tom Healey, who now lives in Lincoln, to developer Paul McMann on June 17, according to Bob McCormack of McCormack Adjusters. The final closing price for the two-family home was $725,000, according to McCormack. Link to story on the MetroWest Daily News Site on Mon Oct 01, 2007 by Michael Wyner and Gabriel Leiner/Daily News staff 09/25/07 Officials seeking cause of fire Weston - The cause of a fire that started on the second floor of a Weston home and eventually burned the entire building to the ground on Sept. 14 is still under investigation, according to interim Chief Fire Administrator Joseph Daniele. According to Weston Fire Lt. Justin Woodside, the fire was reported at a historic two-family home at 271 North Ave. at about 2:35 a.m. No injuries were reported in the fire, which was extinguished by a total of 30 firefighters from Weston, Wayland, Wellesley, Lincoln, Waltham and Newton. "We don’t know the cause and don’t know when we expect to find out," said Daniele. Fire Capt. Donald Bardsley said crews are still examining the physical remains of the house. The ongoing investigations follow those conducted by crews immediately after the fire, as Weston police and fire remained at the scene for about 12 hours on Sept. 14 collecting evidence with the help of a state fire marshal. Initial reports from dispatchers at the Weston Fire Department described it as "a suspicious fire." At the scene of the fire, Woodside added the fire was reported by a "passing motorist who did not say where he was coming from or where he was going." The house had recently been sold by retired Weston policeman Tom Healey, who now lives in Lincoln, to developer Paul McMann on June 17, according to Bob McCormack of McCormack Adjusters. The final closing price for the two-family home was $725,000, according to McCormack. Daniele said the historic home was torn down last week at the request of Building Inspector Courtney W. Atkinson, who certified the site as an unsafe area. According to "Farm Town to Suburb" by historian Pamela Fox, the house was an "Italianate house" dating back to the 1850s. Link to story on the MetroWest Daily News Site on Tue Sep 25, 2007,by Gabriel Leiner 08/31/07 Lawns withering under dry spell Waltham -A relentless drought has workers on the Waltham Fields Community Farm moving irrigation systems around the fields every day this month to keep crops hydrated. "It's definitely really, really dry out there - even just walking around the farm the grass is crunchy," said farm Executive Director Meg Coward. "We're growing food but it's definitely been more of a challenge (this summer)." The farm's six acres off Beaver Street are parched after an exceptionally dry August. "We are in what they classify as a dry spell," said Charlie Foley, a National Weather Service meteorologist. "There is a considerable rainfall deficit." The Boston area received just over 3 inches of rainfall this month, which is about 2<+>1<+>/<->2<-> inches below normal for this time of year, Foley said. Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo said the lack of rain can be an ominous for firefighters. "We do have concern for the wooded areas, if a small fire started out there it could spread very easily," Cardillo said. The effects of the drought are especially apparent looking at the brittle, brown grass covering Waltham Common and its trees that are already starting to change their colors. "The water is a serious issue right now and the drought is very evident in the Waltham Common," said Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy. "The tops of a couple of the maples right near the Sovereign Bank building are starting to turn red." McCarthy said she is looking into digging a well at the common, which she says would be less costly to the city than installing a large sprinkler system. "I'm trying to get a natural source of water," McCarthy said. Since Waltham gets its water from a state agency, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, the city is not facing the same water restrictions that other towns with their own water supplies have been implementing. "All you can do for a drought is have irrigation systems, which we've put into many of the playgrounds over the years," said Stewart LaCrosse, assistant director of the Consolidated Public Works Department. "I think this has been a dry summer, though it's not anything that we haven't seen in the past." LaCrosse said somebody goes down to the common Monday through Friday to water plants by hand. LaCrosse said there is already a small irrigation system around the Circle of Remembrance, a veterans memorial on the common. "I hope to be able to see some (more) irrigation out there maybe next year," said LaCrosse. He said drilling a well is a possibility but there is no guarantee it would provide enough water. LaCrosse said the city works hard to maintain the common grounds and before the dry spell hit, he says, the grass looked greener than he had seen in some time. "This spring it happened to look better than I've seen it in many, many years," LaCrosse said. With the weekly Concerts on the Common series, summer festivals, and just the general rise in people walking outside during the summer, the grounds are heavily used and it takes more to maintain them, he said. "We have so much activity on the common and we don't want to deter that either, we want people to use it and be able to enjoy it," LaCrosse said. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Fri Aug 31, 2007,By Nicole Haley/Daily News staff 08/28/07 WFD Called to Brandies May 26-A male individual reported seeing smoke in the Sachar area. The area was checked due to the heavy smell of smoke. Officers confirmed the report of a large brush fire, and notified the Waltham Fire Department who extinguished the fire without incident. Link to Story from the Brandies Universary Justice Police Log on Tuesday August 28, 2007 07/26/07 Impact of fire hits 2 businesses Firefighters in Waltham battled an accidental four-alarm blaze in a building that included Sal's Family Restaurant. Firefighters in Waltham battled an accidental four-alarm blaze in a building that included Sal's Family Restaurant. WALTHAM -- For Salvatore "Sal" Pinzone it didn't really hit home that his restaurant was gone until last Friday, when workers digging through the rubble of the burned-out building found the safe where he kept the evening's receipts and the next day's change. "It was like I was taking the last bones out of a body," Pinzone said, shaking his head, which at 79-and-a-half is heavy with gray curls. He was still wearing his white uniform -- now dusted with soot -- which reads "Sal's Pizza" in embroidery on the left side. "Everything that I worked for in my life." An accidental fire on July 15 left a burned-out shell in place of the restaurant. It also destroyed California Convenience, a neighboring store. Waltham fire officials say that the fire started in the basement of Sal's, probably from an electrical malfunction or a gas leak that somehow ignited. Someone who didn't know Sal's Family Restaurant, who'd never run into old friends there or eaten a plate of pasta with the establishment's famous marinara sauce, might see the contents of that safe as the sole undamaged material proof of that life: $189 in tens, fives, ones, and coins. But generations of Sal's customers know better. They've told him so in dozens of letters, cards, and phone calls expressing their sympathies and thanks for all the good food and good times. Sitting at the kitchen table in his home, Pinzone picks out one letter in particular. It tells him that the sum of a good life isn't measured by what one builds, or by the material things left behind -- it's measured in good deeds, hospitality, and friends who stand with you when everything else is gone. Pinzone still isn't sure if he will rebuild. The expense of replacing the equipment alone, never mind the building, is huge. He said he had finally reached a point where he didn't owe anything, and he doesn't know if he wants to amass new debt as he nears his ninth decade of life. Santosh Suvedi, who owns California Convenience, said he's still in shock over the loss. At 35, he wants to rebuild -- if not on the same site, then somewhere else in the city. This was the first business he has had in this country since moving from Nepal 10 years ago. Seeing the venture he started only a few months ago in ashes is "frustrating," he said, but he's determined to build it back up, no matter how long it takes. "Definitely I'm going to restart the business. I'm not going to give up, you know," said Suvedi, who is married and has a 6-year-old daughter. "I like the Waltham area -- Waltham as a city is very good." In the meantime, Suvedi said he'll go back to a part-time job at Citizens Bank until he can save enough money to return to the business. State Representative Peter Koutoujian, who lives down the street from Sal's, said he's trying to help Pinzone and Suvedi find government resources to help them rebuild. Among the options are disaster-relief loans from the Small Business Administration and help from the state Secretary of Economic Development. Whatever the future holds, Pinzone cherishes the 41 years of the restaurant's existence. "Sincere thanks to all our customers from the bottom of my heart -- to the ones who I knew their first name, and to the ones whose names I didn't know, for stepping through the door and allowing us to make an honest living," Pinzone said. Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 26, 2007, By Stephanie Siek, Globe Staff More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/20/07 Sal’s fire ruled an accident WALTHAM - The blaze that gutted Sal’s Family Restaurant and California Convenience store Sunday was an accident and not arson, authorities said yesterday. Link to Story from the Boston Herald on Thur. July 20, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/ Daily News TribuneAnd the Boston Channel.com More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/16/07 Waltham landmark destroyed by fire Waltham -A four-alarm fire at 470 Main St. destroyed two businesses yesterday morning, sending three firefighters to the hospital with minor injuries after a floor gave way during the blaze. Sal's Family Restaurant, a fixture in the neighborhood for more than 40 years, and California Convenience store lay in ruins yesterday afternoon, with burnt waste and ashes littering Main Street near Newton Street. Both business were in the same building. Fire Chief Richard Cardillo estimated the damage to be close to $2 million. He said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. "This was a pretty severe fire. Anytime you lose a business or a home I consider it a huge loss," Cardillo said. "I attended this restaurant as a kid." According to Cardillo, Waltham firefighters were called to the blaze at 5:33 a.m. About 10 minutes into battling the fire, the first floor of the building collapsed and two firefighters fell through. "What we're assuming is this started as a cellar fire. As the firefighters were investigating, the floor gave way," Cardillo said. "We were able to conduct a rescue and pull them out." Cardillo praised firefighter Dwight Anderson who was lowered into the cellar to rescue his trapped comrades. The two firefighters who fell through the floor and another firefighter who was helping to rescue them suffered minor injuries. They were treated and released from Newton Wellesly Hospital. As of yesterday, the Waltham Fire Department had not released the names of the injured firefighters. All 10 of Waltham's firefighting companies were sent to the fire and were assisted by firefighters from six communities - Arlington, Cambridge, Lexington, Newton, Watertown and Weston. Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy was at the scene of the fire yesterday speaking to local police, firefighters and residents. "It's a very sad day because (Sal's) was a fixture in Waltham," McCarthy said. "They are a wonderful family. It's very sad." Sal Pinzone, 79, ran the family owned eatery. Yesterday, his son, Michael, talked about the restaurant's legacy. "We grew up here. Back in the late '60s this used to be the corner and all the local kids would hang out on the corner," Michael said, staring at the smoldering storefront. "My dad spent his entire life cooking. There isn't anyone in Waltham that doesn't know Sal's." Michael said he hopes his father can rebuild the restaurant. "I'd love to help him," he said. "If we have the opportunity, I'd love to." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jun 07, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 07/16/07 Fire ravages legacy built by immigrant in Waltham WALTHAM -- For 41 years on Main Street, the Italian immigrant served lunchtime workers and families seeking affordable dinners, like the elbow macaroni slathered with tomato and meat sauce for $4.95 that he christened "American chop suey." Salvatore Pinzone -- Sal to his customers -- catered to masses, except for Thanksgiving, when he cooked for his family. Early yesterday, that legacy was reduced to blackened beams and broken glass, when a fire damaged much of Sal's Family Restaurant and a convenience store next door, at Newton Street. Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo said the cause of the fire, which was reported about 5 a.m. and claimed parts of the roof, was under investigation. "What should my next step be at 79 1/2 ?" said Pinzone, who lives near the restaurant and in a rare occasion missed his 10 a.m. Mass. "So many people have been inconvenienced." Several city residents, including Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, said they hope Sal's reopens. "It's inbred," said McCarthy, who came with her family for the chop suey or fish and chips at least once a week. "This was a family restaurant." The man who created one of Waltham's signature institutions came from Filicudi , an island near Sicily measuring fewer than 6 square miles. In 1947, 19-year-old Pinzone enjoyed working as a fisherman, but made half the pay of his senior counterparts. So when his father and uncle summoned him to Massachusetts, he boarded an American troop transport ship. "I wanted to see what America had to offer me, so I went on my own," he said. He helped his father and uncle at their new restaurant, Colonial Kitchen in Waltham, then moved on to enlist in and cook for the National Guard. But he knew he wanted his own place. After 14 attempts, he opened Sal's in 1966 at an old bakery on Main Street. A few years later, he bought an adjacent supermarket to convert to a dining room, with blue '50s-style booths that filled up for lunch and dinner every day . Lately, Pinzone has arrived by 10 a.m. seven days a week, and on Tuesday mornings he's been driving to Costco to spend $700 on groceries. "This was his kingdom," said Pinzone's son Michael, 49, who lives in Long Island, N.Y., but was at the scene yesterday. "This was everything he owned." Three years ago, as his wife urged him to retire, Pinzone bought the cleaners next door. His son Jon, an artist from Waltham, created an elaborate countertop of gold leaf suspended in polyurethane and a fish tank that hid in a column. Pinzone had hoped to open the bar this fall. "It's awful," said Salvatore Jr., 40, who, like Pinzone's five other children, grew up helping out at the restaurant. He stayed on for 17 years as a chef and manager. "It's like I lost one of my closest friends." The elder Salvatore did not know whether his insurance would cover the $100,000 he said he has spent on the bar, or if he would be able to reopen. With smoke wafting from the interior of charred beams yesterday, he prepared to drive home. "Son of a gun," he said, shaking his head. Edmund Tarallo, a ward councilor, said the restaurant can count on the support of city officials if the Pinzones decide to rebuild. "It was the flavor of the family-ness and the personal touch that Sal and his family put into the restaurant. That went a long way to making it something part of the community." He said city officials could help with the "permitting process and those sorts of things" to allow them to rebuild as fast as possible. "Every generation has taken their turn of eating Sal's pizza and their fried clams," said Lori Kelly, 44, a longtime city resident and customer, whose husband is a ward councilor. "It's gonna be definitely a loss to the community. I would hope that they rebuild. It's just always been there, people that you recognize working behind the counter. Pizza places come and go, but this is the same family." Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 16, 2007, By April Yee Globe Correspondent More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/16/07 Jakes OK after rescue from Waltham fire Two firefighters had to be rescued from a four-alarm fire in Waltham yesterday morning that torched two businesses causing $2 million in damage. Link to Story from the Boston Herald on Thur. July 16, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/ Daily News Tribune More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/15/07 Fire destroys Waltham convenience store, restaurant WALTHAM -- Dwight Andersen, a Waltham firefighter, was nearing the end of a 24-hour overtime shift when the alarm rang around 5 a.m. this morning. A convenience store and family restaurant were ablaze on Main Street. Shortly after Andersen arrived on the scene, he learned that two firefighters had fallen through a floor and plunged 10 feet into the basement. Andersen was lowered into the burning building, and pulled the two men to safety. Neither was injured, but they were rushed to Newton-Wellesley Hospital to be treated for exhaustion. The fire destroyed much of the interior of California Convenience Store, as well as Sal's Family Restaurant, a Waltham institution that has served up American chop suey and fish and chips to regulars for 41 years. This morning, family and neighbors crowded behind the yellow police tape at the intersection of Newton and Main streets. Salvatore Pinzone, 79, the owner of Sal's, said he had just finished building a bar that he had hoped to open this fall. A woman stopped by the scene, where firefighters still worked into the afternoon, and offered her sympathy to Pinzone. He kissed her hand, and said, "Pazienza." Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 15, 2007, By April Yee Globe Correspondent View the photo gallery on Boston.com More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/12/07 Waltham Fire Department Kids Summer Camp In SessionWFD Summer Camp Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thur. July 12, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website 07/07/07 Waltham's longest serving firefighter retiresLt. William Kresser's Retirement Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Mon. July 09, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website Photos of Lt. Kresser's Last Shift Submitted by Rick Mitchell, Courtsey of Waltham Firefighters Welfare & ReliefLt. William Kresser stands beside his Fire Engine, Engine 1.Lt. Kresser holds honorary plaque surrounded by his fellow firefighters. 06/07/07 WFD Response to Laboratory Fire at Brandeis Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jun 07, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website
1/13/08 Pedestrian hit, killed on Rte. 128 WESTON - A 44-year-old man was killed last night on Rte. 128 in Weston after getting out of his vehicle, which was stopped in the breakdown lane, and being hit by a tractor-trailer truck, state police said. Police said after coming to a stop in the breakdown lane and getting out of his Dodge Durango, the driver was struck by a 2002 Kenworth tractor-trailer. The accident occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. on the southbound side of Rte. 128 just after Rte. 20. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not release the man's name pending notification of his relatives. According the state police, preliminary investigations have determined the man was near the white fog line separating the right travel lane and the breakdown lane when he was struck. The identity of the victim was not released. James Glovacki, 55, of Greenfield, was the driver of the tractor-trailer. He was not injured in the accident, police said. State Trooper Eric Benson said it was too early to determine if anyone is at fault for the fatal accident. "This is very preliminary (information). It's extremely early and it's unclear now," said Benson, "It will continue to evolve, I'm sure, for quite some time." The crash is being investigated by the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. The Weston Police, Weston Fire Department and Waltham Police assisted the troopers on scene. The state's medical examiner also responded to the scene. While the accident scene was investigated and cleared the two right travel lanes were closed for nearly three hours. During that time, traffic was diverted around the accident and into the two left lanes of Rte. 128 South. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Sun Jan 13, 2008,By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 1/10/08 Area fire officials on alert Since carbon monoxide detectors are now required in every home, fire departments across the state are regularly answering calls for elevated levels of the odorless gas, proving to state officials that the new law has merit. "It (means the law) is working," said State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan. "We're very pleased that it is." Emergency calls for carbon monoxide across the state nearly doubled from 2005 to 2006, according to statistics compiled by the Department of Fire Services. Since coming into effect in 2006, "Nicole's Law," named after Nicole Garofalo, 7, who died Jan. 28, 2005 of carbon monoxide poisoning in Plymouth, the owner of every residential building must install detectors on each habitable floor and within 10 feet of every bedroom. As of this year, all housing facilities owned by the state, which includes public housing, must have detectors. Carbon monoxide builds up in homes where fossil fuels, such as natural gas and oil, are used for heating. Over time, carbon monoxide causes dizziness, headaches, fatigue and, in some cases, death. The detectors, said Coan, have saved lives. Fire departments are answering calls before people are sickened or killed, Coan said. Homeowners who do not install detectors will face penalties when they sell or transfer their houses. As of March 31, 2006, fire departments are required to inspect all homes for the detectors upon sales or transfers. Although local fire departments have not seen the spike in calls reported statewide, firefighters are routinely responding to activated carbon monoxide detectors. "Ninety percent of the time we have a problem it's from a heating unit malfunctioning," said Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo. Winter is typically the busiest time for carbon monoxide calls because homes are not well-ventilated and snow builds up around heating vents, he said. "If your hot water heater or your heating system is vented to the outside and the snow is blocking the vent, the exhaust is coming into the house," said Cardillo. Homeowner should clear their vents while shoveling their driveways, he said. The detectors are "pretty self-sufficient" and mostly require homeowners to only change the batteries, said Cardillo. "Keep the batteries fresh. Change them when you (reset) the clocks," he said. In Newton, Fire Prevention Lt. Robert Binnall said there has not been a dramatic increase in calls this year over last, "but we do get a decent amount of calls on them." Like Waltham firefighters have found, the majority of calls are for carbon monoxide detectors that are going off because the batteries need to be changed or the home's heating unit is malfunctioning. But even the false calls are good, said Binnall, because it reminds homeowners of the potential of danger. "Before, they didn't even know anything was in the house," Binnall said. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jan 10, 2008, By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 01/07/08 Dedicated and disciplined firefighter retires WALTHAM - Growing up, David Grigorakos never had to look at comic book stars to recognize a hero because he had his father, who didn't have a bright-colored emblem across his chest but a Waltham Fire Department patch on his sleeve. A former Marine and Waltham resident, Deputy Chief Mike Grigorakos first stepped onto Engine 1 on Jan. 6, 1980, as a firefighter, and rounded out his career as the department's trainer for the city's firefighters. "At times is was scary," said David Grigorakos, 24. "You didn't know if your dad was coming back. He's my hero." But after this weekend, David Grigorakos will no longer have to worry if his father will make it home safely after getting a call for a multiple-alarm fire in the middle night. After exactly 28 years of service, Deputy Chief Mike Grigorakos retired yesterday after completing his last shift. On Friday, city officials, firefighters and friends gathered at the Lexington Street headquarters to say goodbye to a man consistently described as dedicated and disciplined - two traits that are likely the lasting effects of his time as a Marine. "Mike is probably the most dedicated man we've had. We probably could use 173 (firefighters) like him," said Fire Chief Richard Cardillo. "If he didn't know the answer to something, he'd go and get it for you. He's been an asset to this department." For the past five years Grigorakos supervised the department's training program to provide ongoing professional development. "He had to have everything perfect all the time for the safety of his men," said Dick Murphy, who had a business relationship with Grigorakos as a vendor for Industrial Professional Services, which provides the city with fire equipment. Because of his Marine training, said Murphy, Grigorakos was "not willing to accept mediocrity" from others and himself. Local 866 President Bob Marshall previously worked alongside Grigorakos. "He was very dedicated to his job," Marshall said. "He was a leader, not a follower." Since joining the ranks less than five years ago, firefighter Gary Delosa is still fairly new to the department. Delosa was one of the many firefighters trained by Grigorakos when he started. "He's always been a perfectionist, so he takes it to heart that we should know our job when it comes to life safety. He was very adamant that we knew what we were doing," said Delosa, who was trained in first response procedures, firefighting techniques, search and rescue, terrorist events and hazardous materials by Grigorakos. As the liaison between the Emergency Medical Services and the WFD, American Medical Response employee Carla Orta coordinated the in-house training with Grigorakos. "This is probably one of the easiest departments I've ever had to work with," said Orta, who credits Grigorakos as the reason. "He never gives you a hard time. He is professional. He's courteous." Amid the laughter filling the fire station's packed meeting room, Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy arrived to present Grigorakos with a resolution to recognize his dedication to the city. Although Grigorakos respectfully declined to comment about his time in Waltham, he briefly addressed his fellow firefighters at the beginning of the in-house party. Even though his time at the station is over, "there's another ride out there waiting," Grigorakos said. "This ride is over." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Mon Jan 07, 2008, By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff 12/19/07 No assembly required WALTHAM - Standing over a pink and purple girl's bicycle decorated with Disney characters, Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Turner made sure the wheels he helped assemble rolled smoothly. A 25-year veteran of the Waltham department, Turner joined a handful of volunteers from the Waltham firefighters union this week who donated their time to assemble bikes for The Salvation Army's Wish Upon a Star program. "I can give a few hours, it's the least I can do for the kids," Turner said. "The city's been good to me." Every year The Salvation Army solicits Christmas gifts for needy Waltham families. For the past 11 years, the Waltham firefighters union has contributed brand-new bicycles assembled and ready to go under the tree. "We started doing this program because it was one of the programs that directly affects kids in the Waltham area," said Lt. Jim Perry, who has been participating in the program since it began. On Tuesday night firefighters spent hours putting together everything from tricycles for toddlers to 26-inch bikes for teenagers. Over the years, Perry said, the program has grown from donating about 40 bikes to an average of 75. "They (firefighters) really add to the quality of the (Wish Upon a Star) program," said Salvation Army Capt. Lolita Sanchez. Sanchez organized rooms full of gifts in the Main Street office space donated to the nonprofit organization for its annual collection. She said Wish Upon a Star will provide presents for 832 children in the Waltham area whose families could not otherwise afford them. The low- and middle-income families who qualify for the program also receive food for their holiday meals, Sanchez said. "There are just a lot of children in need," Sanchez said, adding the organization still needs more donations for older children. Bicycles of all sizes and colors filled the room Tuesday night as the off-duty firefighters tightened nuts and chains. Perry, who has two sons, said the firefighters spend time assembling the bikes instead of handing them to families in pieces to save parents the time and make Christmas morning more exciting for the children. "When I was a lot younger my family went through some tough times when my father was sick and a lot of people stepped up to help my family out. This is a way that I can kind of give back," Perry said. Though he has made donations to the program in the past, this was Lt. John Craig's first year volunteering to assemble the bikes. "It's a learning process," Craig said laughing. "But there's a definite need to help out a bit." Sanchez said parents will pick up donated gifts from The Salvation Army today and tomorrow. At the same time, the organization is struggling to meet its $100,000 fundraising goal though its kettle program, she said. The program, which runs through Christmas Eve, has volunteers stand outside businesses with red kettles ringing bells to raise donations for The Salvation Army. So far, Sanchez said, the organization has yet to reach its halfway mark. Money from the kettle program goes to support The Salvation Army year-round helping fund daily feeding programs, a food pantry, an after-school program, and rental and utilities assistance. The Salvation Army is the recipient of this year's Gifts of Hope campaign by the Daily News Tribune. Gifts of Hope donations will help fund the Waltham branch of The Salvation Army's Christmas Castle, holiday dinners, and other programs the organization runs year-round. To contribute, send or drop off donations to The Salvation Army, 33 Myrtle St., Waltham, MA 02453. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Wed Dec 19, 2007, By Nicole Haley/Daily News staff 12/18/07 Five displaced after Saturday's house fire WALTHAM -All Kevin Hyzak remembers from the early Saturday morning fire on Townsend Street was complete commotion. "I was in bed. It was about 2 or 3 in the morning. All I remember was a sense of commotion. People started banging on the doors ... I wasn't sure what was going on," he said. "I tried to come down the stairs and I saw the billows of smoke coming out and I shot out into the street." He and three others made it out safely. Hyzak, an employee of Village Bank in Auburndale, said he was one of the four tenants renting a room in the more than 100-year-old Victorian at 9 Townsend St. Two others and the landlord all escaped; one other tenant was away on a business trip, Hyzak said. He had been living in the home for close to six months. Following the fire Hyzak said he was put up in a hotel by the American Red Cross. "The Red Cross has been absolutely incredible," he said. "They gave me a hotel for a few days. They gave me some cash to be able to buy food while I try get everything together." Hyzak, originally from North Carolina, said he has a brother and a friend he'll be staying with in Worcester. He hopes to be able to move back to Waltham soon. "Christmas is coming up so I guess I will be going to North Carolina. I guess you can say it's good timing," he said. "Everyone that lived there, I felt like was looking out for everyone else. (Landlord) Ted (Starr) was very kind and generous. He seemed to be feeling very guilty about the house burning down." According to Deputy Fire Chief Cliff Richardson, five people lived at the home, including Starr who lived on the top floor and four occupants, who were renting rooms. Yesterday afternoon, Starr declined comment to a Tribune photographer at the home, which stood boarded up with burned furniture and laundry strewn across the front lawn. Richardson said Waltham firefighters initially stormed into the home but were forced out by the blaze sometime after 3 a.m. "They did start an interior attack and the fire had grown to the point that we ordered everyone out of the building," he said, adding it took about two hours to get the blaze under control. Richardson said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The department is investigating whether a smoldering mattress placed outside the home could have ignited the blaze. Representatives of the American Red Cross said that other tenants of the home were too distraught to speak with members of the media yesterday. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Tue Dec 18, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 11/04/07 Electrical fire delays art event Fire officials say a transformer overloaded yesterday during the Waltham Open Studios event on Moody Street. WALTHAM - An electrical fire ignited yesterday during Waltham Open Studios, forcing the art exhibit to close down temporarily and sending sparks flying onto parked cars. The fire, believed to be caused by an overloaded transformer on a utility pole, broke out just after 4 p.m. yesterday, according to acting Deputy Fire Chief Roger Hebert of the Waltham Fire Department. "It was outside the building the whole time," he said. "We had to wait for NStar to come turn the power off because we can't throw water on an electrical fire." Only one fire engine company responded to put out the fire outside of 144 Moody Street, Building 18. No damage was reported to the building. The fire occurred during the last hour of the 31st Annual Waltham Mills Artists Association Open Studios, cutting the event short for many artists and art enthusiasts. Meghan Van Alstyne, 21, an artist from Jamaica Plain, traveled to Waltham to host a studio event for an artist who was vacationing. "There was a nice big crowd watching the sparks shoot out of the telephone poll," she said. "I heard a lot of people say that they were in the middle of finalizing sales and they had to leave the building because they were at risk for a fire." Local artist Carl West was inside the building when "the lights flickered and went out." West's business partner Michael Bergman, witnessed the transformer's explosion first hand. "It was a small fire that started on the poll and it became a bigger fire," Bergman said. "While we were there it burned through several (power cables) that fell onto cars." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Sun Nov 04, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 11/02/07 Crescent Street crash disrupts power for thousands WALTHAM - A Waltham man racked up 13 criminal charges and knocked out power to 2,100 NStar customers after his car snapped a utility pole in half while speeding down Crescent Street Halloween night, police said. Police rescued David Cristofori, 39, from his 1995 Jeep Cherokee which caught fire after it struck the pole and tree shortly before 10 p.m. Cristofori, arrested on his fifth drunken driving charge, was taken by ambulance to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with a head laceration. He was listed in good condition last night, according to Zineb Marchoudi, spokesman for the hospital. Before the crash, Cristofori led police on a chase, the details of which were unavailable last night. A neighbor at the corner of Crescent Street and Norumbega Terrace, who asked that his name not be used, said he was home waiting for trick-or-treaters when he heard a large explosion. ``I was watching TV. I heard a crash and then I heard another big crash. He hit the pole and then the tree and the car caught flames,'' said the man. ``They ripped him out of the car. I thought he was dead.'' The neighbor said that in the past three decades on Crescent Street, speeding has been a major problem. ``My fence has been hit at least 15 times in the last 30 years,'' he said. ``I've talked to the mayor and the police. They say all you got to do is get a plate number. What are we going to do? Sit out here and wait for plate numbers? It's 30 mph and people are doing like 50.'' Yesterday, Verizon work crews were installing a new utility pole on Crescent Street, as downed wires draped across the front lawns of nearby houses. Mike Durand, spokesman for NStar electric, said that 20 minutes after the accident was reported, workers restored power to 1,300 out of the 2,100 customers affected. ``We did what is called `switching.' Out in the field, we try to use other equipment whenever possible to bring in electricity around the damaged equipment,'' Durand said. ``There were about 650 customers that had their power restored with in 1« to 2« hours. ... The remaining customers, about 150, had power restored after 10 hours.'' Durand said NStar brought in a portable generator to restore power to a local nursing home ``as quickly as (they) could.'' Besides the drunken driving charge, Cristofori, of 206 Hammond St., has been charged with possession of cocaine, possession of Klonopin, a tranquilizer, possession of marijuana, driving to endanger, leaving the scene of an accident after knowingly causing property damage, failure to stop for a police officer, having a revoked license, improper care in turning, speeding, running a stop sign, failure to keep right and failure to stay in marked lanes. As of last night, Cristofori still hadn't been arraigned on the charges, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's office. The accident remains under investigation by the Waltham Police Accident Reconstruction Team. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Fri Nov 02, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 10/14/07 Fire prevention week concludes in Waltham WALTHAM - Swarms of children transformed the Central Fire Station on Lexington Street into their own personal playground yesterday. During the early afternoon, an open house complete with pizza, soda and games marked the conclusion of a weeklong fire prevention program taught in Waltham middle schools. Clad in red plastic helmets, the youth climbed ladders and ogled at sliding down fire poles and explaining the mechanics of ladder trucks to their eager minds. "I can't believe how smart they are," said Chuck Vinciulla, a firefighter stationed at the Moody Street Fire Station. "They seem to really pick up on everything." Vinciulla said he's helped teach the fire prevention program for the past five years. "Kindergarten to third grade is generally the age group that we deal with," he said. "They are very responsive. Every year we get new questions. They are very aware and it's always a challenge to answer the new questions." For Melissa Lelievre, a firefighter stationed at Central Station, she said the most rewarding aspect about teaching the children is seeing them remember fire safety lessons in later grades. "When we talk to second- and third-graders, it's good to see what they remember from the year before," she said. "Hopefully in the event of an emergency, they would remember this stuff." For Lt. Richard Grant, the purpose of the open house was more to celebrate the end of fire prevention week and to leave a lasting impression on local youth. "We want them to see what life is like in a fire station and to let them know we are their friends," he said. "Plan your escape is this year's theme." Mike Quinn Jr., a firefighter stationed at Central Station, stressed the importance of having children know their address and location in case of an emergency. "We teach the kids that you do fire drills at school, you should really do a fire drill with your family," he said. "A lot of people don't realize 911 calls with cell phones do not go to the fire station, it goes to the state police. The kids really have to know where they are, their names and addresses." For the children, the highlight of yesterday afternoon was Patches, a robotic remote control dog that speaks, squirts water and drives a fire truck. Patches accompanies firefighters when they speak at schools. "I came down here to see the fire trucks and I came down here to see Patches," said Antonio Hernandez, 9, of Waltham. "They came to my school and brought him and they talked about him." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Sun Oct 14, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 10/01/07 Suspicions ruled out in Weston fire WESTON - The cause of an early morning fire that heavily damaged a home at 269-271 North Ave. on Sept. 14 has been determined to be electrical. Initial reports from dispatchers at the Weston Fire Department had described the fire as "suspicious." Investigating were the Weston Fire and Police departments and state police assigned to the Fire and Explosion Investigation team in the Office of the State Fire Marshal. In a statement released by Jennifer Mieth, public information officer for the state's Department of Fire Services, investigators determined the fire started in the ceiling between the first and second floors at the site of an electrical cable. No injuries were reported in the fire, which was extinguished by 30 firefighters from Weston, Wayland, Wellesley, Lincoln, Waltham and Newton. The home was not occupied at the time. The historic home was an "Italianate" house dating back to the 1850s, according to Weston historian Pamela Fox. It was torn down last week at the request of Building Inspector Courtney W. Atkinson, who certified the site as unsafe. The house had recently been sold by retired Weston Officer Tom Healey, who now lives in Lincoln, to developer Paul McMann on June 17, according to Bob McCormack of McCormack Adjusters. The final closing price for the two-family home was $725,000, according to McCormack. Link to story on the MetroWest Daily News Site on Mon Oct 01, 2007 by Michael Wyner and Gabriel Leiner/Daily News staff 09/25/07 Officials seeking cause of fire Weston - The cause of a fire that started on the second floor of a Weston home and eventually burned the entire building to the ground on Sept. 14 is still under investigation, according to interim Chief Fire Administrator Joseph Daniele. According to Weston Fire Lt. Justin Woodside, the fire was reported at a historic two-family home at 271 North Ave. at about 2:35 a.m. No injuries were reported in the fire, which was extinguished by a total of 30 firefighters from Weston, Wayland, Wellesley, Lincoln, Waltham and Newton. "We don’t know the cause and don’t know when we expect to find out," said Daniele. Fire Capt. Donald Bardsley said crews are still examining the physical remains of the house. The ongoing investigations follow those conducted by crews immediately after the fire, as Weston police and fire remained at the scene for about 12 hours on Sept. 14 collecting evidence with the help of a state fire marshal. Initial reports from dispatchers at the Weston Fire Department described it as "a suspicious fire." At the scene of the fire, Woodside added the fire was reported by a "passing motorist who did not say where he was coming from or where he was going." The house had recently been sold by retired Weston policeman Tom Healey, who now lives in Lincoln, to developer Paul McMann on June 17, according to Bob McCormack of McCormack Adjusters. The final closing price for the two-family home was $725,000, according to McCormack. Daniele said the historic home was torn down last week at the request of Building Inspector Courtney W. Atkinson, who certified the site as an unsafe area. According to "Farm Town to Suburb" by historian Pamela Fox, the house was an "Italianate house" dating back to the 1850s. Link to story on the MetroWest Daily News Site on Tue Sep 25, 2007,by Gabriel Leiner 08/31/07 Lawns withering under dry spell Waltham -A relentless drought has workers on the Waltham Fields Community Farm moving irrigation systems around the fields every day this month to keep crops hydrated. "It's definitely really, really dry out there - even just walking around the farm the grass is crunchy," said farm Executive Director Meg Coward. "We're growing food but it's definitely been more of a challenge (this summer)." The farm's six acres off Beaver Street are parched after an exceptionally dry August. "We are in what they classify as a dry spell," said Charlie Foley, a National Weather Service meteorologist. "There is a considerable rainfall deficit." The Boston area received just over 3 inches of rainfall this month, which is about 2<+>1<+>/<->2<-> inches below normal for this time of year, Foley said. Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo said the lack of rain can be an ominous for firefighters. "We do have concern for the wooded areas, if a small fire started out there it could spread very easily," Cardillo said. The effects of the drought are especially apparent looking at the brittle, brown grass covering Waltham Common and its trees that are already starting to change their colors. "The water is a serious issue right now and the drought is very evident in the Waltham Common," said Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy. "The tops of a couple of the maples right near the Sovereign Bank building are starting to turn red." McCarthy said she is looking into digging a well at the common, which she says would be less costly to the city than installing a large sprinkler system. "I'm trying to get a natural source of water," McCarthy said. Since Waltham gets its water from a state agency, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, the city is not facing the same water restrictions that other towns with their own water supplies have been implementing. "All you can do for a drought is have irrigation systems, which we've put into many of the playgrounds over the years," said Stewart LaCrosse, assistant director of the Consolidated Public Works Department. "I think this has been a dry summer, though it's not anything that we haven't seen in the past." LaCrosse said somebody goes down to the common Monday through Friday to water plants by hand. LaCrosse said there is already a small irrigation system around the Circle of Remembrance, a veterans memorial on the common. "I hope to be able to see some (more) irrigation out there maybe next year," said LaCrosse. He said drilling a well is a possibility but there is no guarantee it would provide enough water. LaCrosse said the city works hard to maintain the common grounds and before the dry spell hit, he says, the grass looked greener than he had seen in some time. "This spring it happened to look better than I've seen it in many, many years," LaCrosse said. With the weekly Concerts on the Common series, summer festivals, and just the general rise in people walking outside during the summer, the grounds are heavily used and it takes more to maintain them, he said. "We have so much activity on the common and we don't want to deter that either, we want people to use it and be able to enjoy it," LaCrosse said. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Fri Aug 31, 2007,By Nicole Haley/Daily News staff 08/28/07 WFD Called to Brandies May 26-A male individual reported seeing smoke in the Sachar area. The area was checked due to the heavy smell of smoke. Officers confirmed the report of a large brush fire, and notified the Waltham Fire Department who extinguished the fire without incident. Link to Story from the Brandies Universary Justice Police Log on Tuesday August 28, 2007 07/26/07 Impact of fire hits 2 businesses Firefighters in Waltham battled an accidental four-alarm blaze in a building that included Sal's Family Restaurant. Firefighters in Waltham battled an accidental four-alarm blaze in a building that included Sal's Family Restaurant. WALTHAM -- For Salvatore "Sal" Pinzone it didn't really hit home that his restaurant was gone until last Friday, when workers digging through the rubble of the burned-out building found the safe where he kept the evening's receipts and the next day's change. "It was like I was taking the last bones out of a body," Pinzone said, shaking his head, which at 79-and-a-half is heavy with gray curls. He was still wearing his white uniform -- now dusted with soot -- which reads "Sal's Pizza" in embroidery on the left side. "Everything that I worked for in my life." An accidental fire on July 15 left a burned-out shell in place of the restaurant. It also destroyed California Convenience, a neighboring store. Waltham fire officials say that the fire started in the basement of Sal's, probably from an electrical malfunction or a gas leak that somehow ignited. Someone who didn't know Sal's Family Restaurant, who'd never run into old friends there or eaten a plate of pasta with the establishment's famous marinara sauce, might see the contents of that safe as the sole undamaged material proof of that life: $189 in tens, fives, ones, and coins. But generations of Sal's customers know better. They've told him so in dozens of letters, cards, and phone calls expressing their sympathies and thanks for all the good food and good times. Sitting at the kitchen table in his home, Pinzone picks out one letter in particular. It tells him that the sum of a good life isn't measured by what one builds, or by the material things left behind -- it's measured in good deeds, hospitality, and friends who stand with you when everything else is gone. Pinzone still isn't sure if he will rebuild. The expense of replacing the equipment alone, never mind the building, is huge. He said he had finally reached a point where he didn't owe anything, and he doesn't know if he wants to amass new debt as he nears his ninth decade of life. Santosh Suvedi, who owns California Convenience, said he's still in shock over the loss. At 35, he wants to rebuild -- if not on the same site, then somewhere else in the city. This was the first business he has had in this country since moving from Nepal 10 years ago. Seeing the venture he started only a few months ago in ashes is "frustrating," he said, but he's determined to build it back up, no matter how long it takes. "Definitely I'm going to restart the business. I'm not going to give up, you know," said Suvedi, who is married and has a 6-year-old daughter. "I like the Waltham area -- Waltham as a city is very good." In the meantime, Suvedi said he'll go back to a part-time job at Citizens Bank until he can save enough money to return to the business. State Representative Peter Koutoujian, who lives down the street from Sal's, said he's trying to help Pinzone and Suvedi find government resources to help them rebuild. Among the options are disaster-relief loans from the Small Business Administration and help from the state Secretary of Economic Development. Whatever the future holds, Pinzone cherishes the 41 years of the restaurant's existence. "Sincere thanks to all our customers from the bottom of my heart -- to the ones who I knew their first name, and to the ones whose names I didn't know, for stepping through the door and allowing us to make an honest living," Pinzone said. Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 26, 2007, By Stephanie Siek, Globe Staff More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/20/07 Sal’s fire ruled an accident WALTHAM - The blaze that gutted Sal’s Family Restaurant and California Convenience store Sunday was an accident and not arson, authorities said yesterday. Link to Story from the Boston Herald on Thur. July 20, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/ Daily News TribuneAnd the Boston Channel.com More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/16/07 Waltham landmark destroyed by fire Waltham -A four-alarm fire at 470 Main St. destroyed two businesses yesterday morning, sending three firefighters to the hospital with minor injuries after a floor gave way during the blaze. Sal's Family Restaurant, a fixture in the neighborhood for more than 40 years, and California Convenience store lay in ruins yesterday afternoon, with burnt waste and ashes littering Main Street near Newton Street. Both business were in the same building. Fire Chief Richard Cardillo estimated the damage to be close to $2 million. He said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. "This was a pretty severe fire. Anytime you lose a business or a home I consider it a huge loss," Cardillo said. "I attended this restaurant as a kid." According to Cardillo, Waltham firefighters were called to the blaze at 5:33 a.m. About 10 minutes into battling the fire, the first floor of the building collapsed and two firefighters fell through. "What we're assuming is this started as a cellar fire. As the firefighters were investigating, the floor gave way," Cardillo said. "We were able to conduct a rescue and pull them out." Cardillo praised firefighter Dwight Anderson who was lowered into the cellar to rescue his trapped comrades. The two firefighters who fell through the floor and another firefighter who was helping to rescue them suffered minor injuries. They were treated and released from Newton Wellesly Hospital. As of yesterday, the Waltham Fire Department had not released the names of the injured firefighters. All 10 of Waltham's firefighting companies were sent to the fire and were assisted by firefighters from six communities - Arlington, Cambridge, Lexington, Newton, Watertown and Weston. Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy was at the scene of the fire yesterday speaking to local police, firefighters and residents. "It's a very sad day because (Sal's) was a fixture in Waltham," McCarthy said. "They are a wonderful family. It's very sad." Sal Pinzone, 79, ran the family owned eatery. Yesterday, his son, Michael, talked about the restaurant's legacy. "We grew up here. Back in the late '60s this used to be the corner and all the local kids would hang out on the corner," Michael said, staring at the smoldering storefront. "My dad spent his entire life cooking. There isn't anyone in Waltham that doesn't know Sal's." Michael said he hopes his father can rebuild the restaurant. "I'd love to help him," he said. "If we have the opportunity, I'd love to." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jun 07, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff 07/16/07 Fire ravages legacy built by immigrant in Waltham WALTHAM -- For 41 years on Main Street, the Italian immigrant served lunchtime workers and families seeking affordable dinners, like the elbow macaroni slathered with tomato and meat sauce for $4.95 that he christened "American chop suey." Salvatore Pinzone -- Sal to his customers -- catered to masses, except for Thanksgiving, when he cooked for his family. Early yesterday, that legacy was reduced to blackened beams and broken glass, when a fire damaged much of Sal's Family Restaurant and a convenience store next door, at Newton Street. Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo said the cause of the fire, which was reported about 5 a.m. and claimed parts of the roof, was under investigation. "What should my next step be at 79 1/2 ?" said Pinzone, who lives near the restaurant and in a rare occasion missed his 10 a.m. Mass. "So many people have been inconvenienced." Several city residents, including Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, said they hope Sal's reopens. "It's inbred," said McCarthy, who came with her family for the chop suey or fish and chips at least once a week. "This was a family restaurant." The man who created one of Waltham's signature institutions came from Filicudi , an island near Sicily measuring fewer than 6 square miles. In 1947, 19-year-old Pinzone enjoyed working as a fisherman, but made half the pay of his senior counterparts. So when his father and uncle summoned him to Massachusetts, he boarded an American troop transport ship. "I wanted to see what America had to offer me, so I went on my own," he said. He helped his father and uncle at their new restaurant, Colonial Kitchen in Waltham, then moved on to enlist in and cook for the National Guard. But he knew he wanted his own place. After 14 attempts, he opened Sal's in 1966 at an old bakery on Main Street. A few years later, he bought an adjacent supermarket to convert to a dining room, with blue '50s-style booths that filled up for lunch and dinner every day . Lately, Pinzone has arrived by 10 a.m. seven days a week, and on Tuesday mornings he's been driving to Costco to spend $700 on groceries. "This was his kingdom," said Pinzone's son Michael, 49, who lives in Long Island, N.Y., but was at the scene yesterday. "This was everything he owned." Three years ago, as his wife urged him to retire, Pinzone bought the cleaners next door. His son Jon, an artist from Waltham, created an elaborate countertop of gold leaf suspended in polyurethane and a fish tank that hid in a column. Pinzone had hoped to open the bar this fall. "It's awful," said Salvatore Jr., 40, who, like Pinzone's five other children, grew up helping out at the restaurant. He stayed on for 17 years as a chef and manager. "It's like I lost one of my closest friends." The elder Salvatore did not know whether his insurance would cover the $100,000 he said he has spent on the bar, or if he would be able to reopen. With smoke wafting from the interior of charred beams yesterday, he prepared to drive home. "Son of a gun," he said, shaking his head. Edmund Tarallo, a ward councilor, said the restaurant can count on the support of city officials if the Pinzones decide to rebuild. "It was the flavor of the family-ness and the personal touch that Sal and his family put into the restaurant. That went a long way to making it something part of the community." He said city officials could help with the "permitting process and those sorts of things" to allow them to rebuild as fast as possible. "Every generation has taken their turn of eating Sal's pizza and their fried clams," said Lori Kelly, 44, a longtime city resident and customer, whose husband is a ward councilor. "It's gonna be definitely a loss to the community. I would hope that they rebuild. It's just always been there, people that you recognize working behind the counter. Pizza places come and go, but this is the same family." Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 16, 2007, By April Yee Globe Correspondent More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/16/07 Jakes OK after rescue from Waltham fire Two firefighters had to be rescued from a four-alarm fire in Waltham yesterday morning that torched two businesses causing $2 million in damage. Link to Story from the Boston Herald on Thur. July 16, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/ Daily News Tribune More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/15/07 Fire destroys Waltham convenience store, restaurant WALTHAM -- Dwight Andersen, a Waltham firefighter, was nearing the end of a 24-hour overtime shift when the alarm rang around 5 a.m. this morning. A convenience store and family restaurant were ablaze on Main Street. Shortly after Andersen arrived on the scene, he learned that two firefighters had fallen through a floor and plunged 10 feet into the basement. Andersen was lowered into the burning building, and pulled the two men to safety. Neither was injured, but they were rushed to Newton-Wellesley Hospital to be treated for exhaustion. The fire destroyed much of the interior of California Convenience Store, as well as Sal's Family Restaurant, a Waltham institution that has served up American chop suey and fish and chips to regulars for 41 years. This morning, family and neighbors crowded behind the yellow police tape at the intersection of Newton and Main streets. Salvatore Pinzone, 79, the owner of Sal's, said he had just finished building a bar that he had hoped to open this fall. A woman stopped by the scene, where firefighters still worked into the afternoon, and offered her sympathy to Pinzone. He kissed her hand, and said, "Pazienza." Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 15, 2007, By April Yee Globe Correspondent View the photo gallery on Boston.com More info on this story from the WFD Press Release 07/12/07 Waltham Fire Department Kids Summer Camp In SessionWFD Summer Camp Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thur. July 12, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website 07/07/07 Waltham's longest serving firefighter retiresLt. William Kresser's Retirement Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Mon. July 09, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website Photos of Lt. Kresser's Last Shift Submitted by Rick Mitchell, Courtsey of Waltham Firefighters Welfare & ReliefLt. William Kresser stands beside his Fire Engine, Engine 1.Lt. Kresser holds honorary plaque surrounded by his fellow firefighters. 06/07/07 WFD Response to Laboratory Fire at Brandeis Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jun 07, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website
1/10/08 Area fire officials on alert Since carbon monoxide detectors are now required in every home, fire departments across the state are regularly answering calls for elevated levels of the odorless gas, proving to state officials that the new law has merit. "It (means the law) is working," said State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan. "We're very pleased that it is." Emergency calls for carbon monoxide across the state nearly doubled from 2005 to 2006, according to statistics compiled by the Department of Fire Services. Since coming into effect in 2006, "Nicole's Law," named after Nicole Garofalo, 7, who died Jan. 28, 2005 of carbon monoxide poisoning in Plymouth, the owner of every residential building must install detectors on each habitable floor and within 10 feet of every bedroom. As of this year, all housing facilities owned by the state, which includes public housing, must have detectors. Carbon monoxide builds up in homes where fossil fuels, such as natural gas and oil, are used for heating. Over time, carbon monoxide causes dizziness, headaches, fatigue and, in some cases, death. The detectors, said Coan, have saved lives. Fire departments are answering calls before people are sickened or killed, Coan said. Homeowners who do not install detectors will face penalties when they sell or transfer their houses. As of March 31, 2006, fire departments are required to inspect all homes for the detectors upon sales or transfers. Although local fire departments have not seen the spike in calls reported statewide, firefighters are routinely responding to activated carbon monoxide detectors. "Ninety percent of the time we have a problem it's from a heating unit malfunctioning," said Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo. Winter is typically the busiest time for carbon monoxide calls because homes are not well-ventilated and snow builds up around heating vents, he said. "If your hot water heater or your heating system is vented to the outside and the snow is blocking the vent, the exhaust is coming into the house," said Cardillo. Homeowner should clear their vents while shoveling their driveways, he said. The detectors are "pretty self-sufficient" and mostly require homeowners to only change the batteries, said Cardillo. "Keep the batteries fresh. Change them when you (reset) the clocks," he said. In Newton, Fire Prevention Lt. Robert Binnall said there has not been a dramatic increase in calls this year over last, "but we do get a decent amount of calls on them." Like Waltham firefighters have found, the majority of calls are for carbon monoxide detectors that are going off because the batteries need to be changed or the home's heating unit is malfunctioning. But even the false calls are good, said Binnall, because it reminds homeowners of the potential of danger. "Before, they didn't even know anything was in the house," Binnall said. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jan 10, 2008, By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff
01/07/08 Dedicated and disciplined firefighter retires WALTHAM - Growing up, David Grigorakos never had to look at comic book stars to recognize a hero because he had his father, who didn't have a bright-colored emblem across his chest but a Waltham Fire Department patch on his sleeve. A former Marine and Waltham resident, Deputy Chief Mike Grigorakos first stepped onto Engine 1 on Jan. 6, 1980, as a firefighter, and rounded out his career as the department's trainer for the city's firefighters. "At times is was scary," said David Grigorakos, 24. "You didn't know if your dad was coming back. He's my hero." But after this weekend, David Grigorakos will no longer have to worry if his father will make it home safely after getting a call for a multiple-alarm fire in the middle night. After exactly 28 years of service, Deputy Chief Mike Grigorakos retired yesterday after completing his last shift. On Friday, city officials, firefighters and friends gathered at the Lexington Street headquarters to say goodbye to a man consistently described as dedicated and disciplined - two traits that are likely the lasting effects of his time as a Marine. "Mike is probably the most dedicated man we've had. We probably could use 173 (firefighters) like him," said Fire Chief Richard Cardillo. "If he didn't know the answer to something, he'd go and get it for you. He's been an asset to this department." For the past five years Grigorakos supervised the department's training program to provide ongoing professional development. "He had to have everything perfect all the time for the safety of his men," said Dick Murphy, who had a business relationship with Grigorakos as a vendor for Industrial Professional Services, which provides the city with fire equipment. Because of his Marine training, said Murphy, Grigorakos was "not willing to accept mediocrity" from others and himself. Local 866 President Bob Marshall previously worked alongside Grigorakos. "He was very dedicated to his job," Marshall said. "He was a leader, not a follower." Since joining the ranks less than five years ago, firefighter Gary Delosa is still fairly new to the department. Delosa was one of the many firefighters trained by Grigorakos when he started. "He's always been a perfectionist, so he takes it to heart that we should know our job when it comes to life safety. He was very adamant that we knew what we were doing," said Delosa, who was trained in first response procedures, firefighting techniques, search and rescue, terrorist events and hazardous materials by Grigorakos. As the liaison between the Emergency Medical Services and the WFD, American Medical Response employee Carla Orta coordinated the in-house training with Grigorakos. "This is probably one of the easiest departments I've ever had to work with," said Orta, who credits Grigorakos as the reason. "He never gives you a hard time. He is professional. He's courteous." Amid the laughter filling the fire station's packed meeting room, Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy arrived to present Grigorakos with a resolution to recognize his dedication to the city. Although Grigorakos respectfully declined to comment about his time in Waltham, he briefly addressed his fellow firefighters at the beginning of the in-house party. Even though his time at the station is over, "there's another ride out there waiting," Grigorakos said. "This ride is over." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Mon Jan 07, 2008, By Kerri Roche/Daily News staff
12/19/07 No assembly required WALTHAM - Standing over a pink and purple girl's bicycle decorated with Disney characters, Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Turner made sure the wheels he helped assemble rolled smoothly. A 25-year veteran of the Waltham department, Turner joined a handful of volunteers from the Waltham firefighters union this week who donated their time to assemble bikes for The Salvation Army's Wish Upon a Star program. "I can give a few hours, it's the least I can do for the kids," Turner said. "The city's been good to me." Every year The Salvation Army solicits Christmas gifts for needy Waltham families. For the past 11 years, the Waltham firefighters union has contributed brand-new bicycles assembled and ready to go under the tree. "We started doing this program because it was one of the programs that directly affects kids in the Waltham area," said Lt. Jim Perry, who has been participating in the program since it began. On Tuesday night firefighters spent hours putting together everything from tricycles for toddlers to 26-inch bikes for teenagers. Over the years, Perry said, the program has grown from donating about 40 bikes to an average of 75. "They (firefighters) really add to the quality of the (Wish Upon a Star) program," said Salvation Army Capt. Lolita Sanchez. Sanchez organized rooms full of gifts in the Main Street office space donated to the nonprofit organization for its annual collection. She said Wish Upon a Star will provide presents for 832 children in the Waltham area whose families could not otherwise afford them. The low- and middle-income families who qualify for the program also receive food for their holiday meals, Sanchez said. "There are just a lot of children in need," Sanchez said, adding the organization still needs more donations for older children. Bicycles of all sizes and colors filled the room Tuesday night as the off-duty firefighters tightened nuts and chains. Perry, who has two sons, said the firefighters spend time assembling the bikes instead of handing them to families in pieces to save parents the time and make Christmas morning more exciting for the children. "When I was a lot younger my family went through some tough times when my father was sick and a lot of people stepped up to help my family out. This is a way that I can kind of give back," Perry said. Though he has made donations to the program in the past, this was Lt. John Craig's first year volunteering to assemble the bikes. "It's a learning process," Craig said laughing. "But there's a definite need to help out a bit." Sanchez said parents will pick up donated gifts from The Salvation Army today and tomorrow. At the same time, the organization is struggling to meet its $100,000 fundraising goal though its kettle program, she said. The program, which runs through Christmas Eve, has volunteers stand outside businesses with red kettles ringing bells to raise donations for The Salvation Army. So far, Sanchez said, the organization has yet to reach its halfway mark. Money from the kettle program goes to support The Salvation Army year-round helping fund daily feeding programs, a food pantry, an after-school program, and rental and utilities assistance. The Salvation Army is the recipient of this year's Gifts of Hope campaign by the Daily News Tribune. Gifts of Hope donations will help fund the Waltham branch of The Salvation Army's Christmas Castle, holiday dinners, and other programs the organization runs year-round. To contribute, send or drop off donations to The Salvation Army, 33 Myrtle St., Waltham, MA 02453. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Wed Dec 19, 2007, By Nicole Haley/Daily News staff
12/18/07 Five displaced after Saturday's house fire WALTHAM -All Kevin Hyzak remembers from the early Saturday morning fire on Townsend Street was complete commotion. "I was in bed. It was about 2 or 3 in the morning. All I remember was a sense of commotion. People started banging on the doors ... I wasn't sure what was going on," he said. "I tried to come down the stairs and I saw the billows of smoke coming out and I shot out into the street." He and three others made it out safely. Hyzak, an employee of Village Bank in Auburndale, said he was one of the four tenants renting a room in the more than 100-year-old Victorian at 9 Townsend St. Two others and the landlord all escaped; one other tenant was away on a business trip, Hyzak said. He had been living in the home for close to six months. Following the fire Hyzak said he was put up in a hotel by the American Red Cross. "The Red Cross has been absolutely incredible," he said. "They gave me a hotel for a few days. They gave me some cash to be able to buy food while I try get everything together." Hyzak, originally from North Carolina, said he has a brother and a friend he'll be staying with in Worcester. He hopes to be able to move back to Waltham soon. "Christmas is coming up so I guess I will be going to North Carolina. I guess you can say it's good timing," he said. "Everyone that lived there, I felt like was looking out for everyone else. (Landlord) Ted (Starr) was very kind and generous. He seemed to be feeling very guilty about the house burning down." According to Deputy Fire Chief Cliff Richardson, five people lived at the home, including Starr who lived on the top floor and four occupants, who were renting rooms. Yesterday afternoon, Starr declined comment to a Tribune photographer at the home, which stood boarded up with burned furniture and laundry strewn across the front lawn. Richardson said Waltham firefighters initially stormed into the home but were forced out by the blaze sometime after 3 a.m. "They did start an interior attack and the fire had grown to the point that we ordered everyone out of the building," he said, adding it took about two hours to get the blaze under control. Richardson said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The department is investigating whether a smoldering mattress placed outside the home could have ignited the blaze. Representatives of the American Red Cross said that other tenants of the home were too distraught to speak with members of the media yesterday. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Tue Dec 18, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff
11/04/07 Electrical fire delays art event Fire officials say a transformer overloaded yesterday during the Waltham Open Studios event on Moody Street. WALTHAM - An electrical fire ignited yesterday during Waltham Open Studios, forcing the art exhibit to close down temporarily and sending sparks flying onto parked cars. The fire, believed to be caused by an overloaded transformer on a utility pole, broke out just after 4 p.m. yesterday, according to acting Deputy Fire Chief Roger Hebert of the Waltham Fire Department. "It was outside the building the whole time," he said. "We had to wait for NStar to come turn the power off because we can't throw water on an electrical fire." Only one fire engine company responded to put out the fire outside of 144 Moody Street, Building 18. No damage was reported to the building. The fire occurred during the last hour of the 31st Annual Waltham Mills Artists Association Open Studios, cutting the event short for many artists and art enthusiasts. Meghan Van Alstyne, 21, an artist from Jamaica Plain, traveled to Waltham to host a studio event for an artist who was vacationing. "There was a nice big crowd watching the sparks shoot out of the telephone poll," she said. "I heard a lot of people say that they were in the middle of finalizing sales and they had to leave the building because they were at risk for a fire." Local artist Carl West was inside the building when "the lights flickered and went out." West's business partner Michael Bergman, witnessed the transformer's explosion first hand. "It was a small fire that started on the poll and it became a bigger fire," Bergman said. "While we were there it burned through several (power cables) that fell onto cars." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Sun Nov 04, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff
11/02/07 Crescent Street crash disrupts power for thousands WALTHAM - A Waltham man racked up 13 criminal charges and knocked out power to 2,100 NStar customers after his car snapped a utility pole in half while speeding down Crescent Street Halloween night, police said. Police rescued David Cristofori, 39, from his 1995 Jeep Cherokee which caught fire after it struck the pole and tree shortly before 10 p.m. Cristofori, arrested on his fifth drunken driving charge, was taken by ambulance to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with a head laceration. He was listed in good condition last night, according to Zineb Marchoudi, spokesman for the hospital. Before the crash, Cristofori led police on a chase, the details of which were unavailable last night. A neighbor at the corner of Crescent Street and Norumbega Terrace, who asked that his name not be used, said he was home waiting for trick-or-treaters when he heard a large explosion. ``I was watching TV. I heard a crash and then I heard another big crash. He hit the pole and then the tree and the car caught flames,'' said the man. ``They ripped him out of the car. I thought he was dead.'' The neighbor said that in the past three decades on Crescent Street, speeding has been a major problem. ``My fence has been hit at least 15 times in the last 30 years,'' he said. ``I've talked to the mayor and the police. They say all you got to do is get a plate number. What are we going to do? Sit out here and wait for plate numbers? It's 30 mph and people are doing like 50.'' Yesterday, Verizon work crews were installing a new utility pole on Crescent Street, as downed wires draped across the front lawns of nearby houses. Mike Durand, spokesman for NStar electric, said that 20 minutes after the accident was reported, workers restored power to 1,300 out of the 2,100 customers affected. ``We did what is called `switching.' Out in the field, we try to use other equipment whenever possible to bring in electricity around the damaged equipment,'' Durand said. ``There were about 650 customers that had their power restored with in 1« to 2« hours. ... The remaining customers, about 150, had power restored after 10 hours.'' Durand said NStar brought in a portable generator to restore power to a local nursing home ``as quickly as (they) could.'' Besides the drunken driving charge, Cristofori, of 206 Hammond St., has been charged with possession of cocaine, possession of Klonopin, a tranquilizer, possession of marijuana, driving to endanger, leaving the scene of an accident after knowingly causing property damage, failure to stop for a police officer, having a revoked license, improper care in turning, speeding, running a stop sign, failure to keep right and failure to stay in marked lanes. As of last night, Cristofori still hadn't been arraigned on the charges, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's office. The accident remains under investigation by the Waltham Police Accident Reconstruction Team. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Fri Nov 02, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff
10/14/07 Fire prevention week concludes in Waltham WALTHAM - Swarms of children transformed the Central Fire Station on Lexington Street into their own personal playground yesterday. During the early afternoon, an open house complete with pizza, soda and games marked the conclusion of a weeklong fire prevention program taught in Waltham middle schools. Clad in red plastic helmets, the youth climbed ladders and ogled at sliding down fire poles and explaining the mechanics of ladder trucks to their eager minds. "I can't believe how smart they are," said Chuck Vinciulla, a firefighter stationed at the Moody Street Fire Station. "They seem to really pick up on everything." Vinciulla said he's helped teach the fire prevention program for the past five years. "Kindergarten to third grade is generally the age group that we deal with," he said. "They are very responsive. Every year we get new questions. They are very aware and it's always a challenge to answer the new questions." For Melissa Lelievre, a firefighter stationed at Central Station, she said the most rewarding aspect about teaching the children is seeing them remember fire safety lessons in later grades. "When we talk to second- and third-graders, it's good to see what they remember from the year before," she said. "Hopefully in the event of an emergency, they would remember this stuff." For Lt. Richard Grant, the purpose of the open house was more to celebrate the end of fire prevention week and to leave a lasting impression on local youth. "We want them to see what life is like in a fire station and to let them know we are their friends," he said. "Plan your escape is this year's theme." Mike Quinn Jr., a firefighter stationed at Central Station, stressed the importance of having children know their address and location in case of an emergency. "We teach the kids that you do fire drills at school, you should really do a fire drill with your family," he said. "A lot of people don't realize 911 calls with cell phones do not go to the fire station, it goes to the state police. The kids really have to know where they are, their names and addresses." For the children, the highlight of yesterday afternoon was Patches, a robotic remote control dog that speaks, squirts water and drives a fire truck. Patches accompanies firefighters when they speak at schools. "I came down here to see the fire trucks and I came down here to see Patches," said Antonio Hernandez, 9, of Waltham. "They came to my school and brought him and they talked about him." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Sun Oct 14, 2007, by Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff
10/01/07 Suspicions ruled out in Weston fire WESTON - The cause of an early morning fire that heavily damaged a home at 269-271 North Ave. on Sept. 14 has been determined to be electrical. Initial reports from dispatchers at the Weston Fire Department had described the fire as "suspicious." Investigating were the Weston Fire and Police departments and state police assigned to the Fire and Explosion Investigation team in the Office of the State Fire Marshal. In a statement released by Jennifer Mieth, public information officer for the state's Department of Fire Services, investigators determined the fire started in the ceiling between the first and second floors at the site of an electrical cable. No injuries were reported in the fire, which was extinguished by 30 firefighters from Weston, Wayland, Wellesley, Lincoln, Waltham and Newton. The home was not occupied at the time. The historic home was an "Italianate" house dating back to the 1850s, according to Weston historian Pamela Fox. It was torn down last week at the request of Building Inspector Courtney W. Atkinson, who certified the site as unsafe. The house had recently been sold by retired Weston Officer Tom Healey, who now lives in Lincoln, to developer Paul McMann on June 17, according to Bob McCormack of McCormack Adjusters. The final closing price for the two-family home was $725,000, according to McCormack. Link to story on the MetroWest Daily News Site on Mon Oct 01, 2007 by Michael Wyner and Gabriel Leiner/Daily News staff
09/25/07 Officials seeking cause of fire Weston - The cause of a fire that started on the second floor of a Weston home and eventually burned the entire building to the ground on Sept. 14 is still under investigation, according to interim Chief Fire Administrator Joseph Daniele. According to Weston Fire Lt. Justin Woodside, the fire was reported at a historic two-family home at 271 North Ave. at about 2:35 a.m. No injuries were reported in the fire, which was extinguished by a total of 30 firefighters from Weston, Wayland, Wellesley, Lincoln, Waltham and Newton. "We don’t know the cause and don’t know when we expect to find out," said Daniele. Fire Capt. Donald Bardsley said crews are still examining the physical remains of the house. The ongoing investigations follow those conducted by crews immediately after the fire, as Weston police and fire remained at the scene for about 12 hours on Sept. 14 collecting evidence with the help of a state fire marshal. Initial reports from dispatchers at the Weston Fire Department described it as "a suspicious fire." At the scene of the fire, Woodside added the fire was reported by a "passing motorist who did not say where he was coming from or where he was going." The house had recently been sold by retired Weston policeman Tom Healey, who now lives in Lincoln, to developer Paul McMann on June 17, according to Bob McCormack of McCormack Adjusters. The final closing price for the two-family home was $725,000, according to McCormack. Daniele said the historic home was torn down last week at the request of Building Inspector Courtney W. Atkinson, who certified the site as an unsafe area. According to "Farm Town to Suburb" by historian Pamela Fox, the house was an "Italianate house" dating back to the 1850s. Link to story on the MetroWest Daily News Site on Tue Sep 25, 2007,by Gabriel Leiner
08/31/07 Lawns withering under dry spell Waltham -A relentless drought has workers on the Waltham Fields Community Farm moving irrigation systems around the fields every day this month to keep crops hydrated. "It's definitely really, really dry out there - even just walking around the farm the grass is crunchy," said farm Executive Director Meg Coward. "We're growing food but it's definitely been more of a challenge (this summer)." The farm's six acres off Beaver Street are parched after an exceptionally dry August. "We are in what they classify as a dry spell," said Charlie Foley, a National Weather Service meteorologist. "There is a considerable rainfall deficit." The Boston area received just over 3 inches of rainfall this month, which is about 2<+>1<+>/<->2<-> inches below normal for this time of year, Foley said. Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo said the lack of rain can be an ominous for firefighters. "We do have concern for the wooded areas, if a small fire started out there it could spread very easily," Cardillo said. The effects of the drought are especially apparent looking at the brittle, brown grass covering Waltham Common and its trees that are already starting to change their colors. "The water is a serious issue right now and the drought is very evident in the Waltham Common," said Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy. "The tops of a couple of the maples right near the Sovereign Bank building are starting to turn red." McCarthy said she is looking into digging a well at the common, which she says would be less costly to the city than installing a large sprinkler system. "I'm trying to get a natural source of water," McCarthy said. Since Waltham gets its water from a state agency, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, the city is not facing the same water restrictions that other towns with their own water supplies have been implementing. "All you can do for a drought is have irrigation systems, which we've put into many of the playgrounds over the years," said Stewart LaCrosse, assistant director of the Consolidated Public Works Department. "I think this has been a dry summer, though it's not anything that we haven't seen in the past." LaCrosse said somebody goes down to the common Monday through Friday to water plants by hand. LaCrosse said there is already a small irrigation system around the Circle of Remembrance, a veterans memorial on the common. "I hope to be able to see some (more) irrigation out there maybe next year," said LaCrosse. He said drilling a well is a possibility but there is no guarantee it would provide enough water. LaCrosse said the city works hard to maintain the common grounds and before the dry spell hit, he says, the grass looked greener than he had seen in some time. "This spring it happened to look better than I've seen it in many, many years," LaCrosse said. With the weekly Concerts on the Common series, summer festivals, and just the general rise in people walking outside during the summer, the grounds are heavily used and it takes more to maintain them, he said. "We have so much activity on the common and we don't want to deter that either, we want people to use it and be able to enjoy it," LaCrosse said. Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Fri Aug 31, 2007,By Nicole Haley/Daily News staff
08/28/07 WFD Called to Brandies May 26-A male individual reported seeing smoke in the Sachar area. The area was checked due to the heavy smell of smoke. Officers confirmed the report of a large brush fire, and notified the Waltham Fire Department who extinguished the fire without incident. Link to Story from the Brandies Universary Justice Police Log on Tuesday August 28, 2007
07/26/07 Impact of fire hits 2 businesses Firefighters in Waltham battled an accidental four-alarm blaze in a building that included Sal's Family Restaurant. Firefighters in Waltham battled an accidental four-alarm blaze in a building that included Sal's Family Restaurant. WALTHAM -- For Salvatore "Sal" Pinzone it didn't really hit home that his restaurant was gone until last Friday, when workers digging through the rubble of the burned-out building found the safe where he kept the evening's receipts and the next day's change. "It was like I was taking the last bones out of a body," Pinzone said, shaking his head, which at 79-and-a-half is heavy with gray curls. He was still wearing his white uniform -- now dusted with soot -- which reads "Sal's Pizza" in embroidery on the left side. "Everything that I worked for in my life." An accidental fire on July 15 left a burned-out shell in place of the restaurant. It also destroyed California Convenience, a neighboring store. Waltham fire officials say that the fire started in the basement of Sal's, probably from an electrical malfunction or a gas leak that somehow ignited. Someone who didn't know Sal's Family Restaurant, who'd never run into old friends there or eaten a plate of pasta with the establishment's famous marinara sauce, might see the contents of that safe as the sole undamaged material proof of that life: $189 in tens, fives, ones, and coins. But generations of Sal's customers know better. They've told him so in dozens of letters, cards, and phone calls expressing their sympathies and thanks for all the good food and good times. Sitting at the kitchen table in his home, Pinzone picks out one letter in particular. It tells him that the sum of a good life isn't measured by what one builds, or by the material things left behind -- it's measured in good deeds, hospitality, and friends who stand with you when everything else is gone. Pinzone still isn't sure if he will rebuild. The expense of replacing the equipment alone, never mind the building, is huge. He said he had finally reached a point where he didn't owe anything, and he doesn't know if he wants to amass new debt as he nears his ninth decade of life. Santosh Suvedi, who owns California Convenience, said he's still in shock over the loss. At 35, he wants to rebuild -- if not on the same site, then somewhere else in the city. This was the first business he has had in this country since moving from Nepal 10 years ago. Seeing the venture he started only a few months ago in ashes is "frustrating," he said, but he's determined to build it back up, no matter how long it takes. "Definitely I'm going to restart the business. I'm not going to give up, you know," said Suvedi, who is married and has a 6-year-old daughter. "I like the Waltham area -- Waltham as a city is very good." In the meantime, Suvedi said he'll go back to a part-time job at Citizens Bank until he can save enough money to return to the business. State Representative Peter Koutoujian, who lives down the street from Sal's, said he's trying to help Pinzone and Suvedi find government resources to help them rebuild. Among the options are disaster-relief loans from the Small Business Administration and help from the state Secretary of Economic Development. Whatever the future holds, Pinzone cherishes the 41 years of the restaurant's existence. "Sincere thanks to all our customers from the bottom of my heart -- to the ones who I knew their first name, and to the ones whose names I didn't know, for stepping through the door and allowing us to make an honest living," Pinzone said. Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 26, 2007, By Stephanie Siek, Globe Staff More info on this story from the WFD Press Release
07/20/07 Sal’s fire ruled an accident WALTHAM - The blaze that gutted Sal’s Family Restaurant and California Convenience store Sunday was an accident and not arson, authorities said yesterday. Link to Story from the Boston Herald on Thur. July 20, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/ Daily News TribuneAnd the Boston Channel.com More info on this story from the WFD Press Release
07/16/07 Waltham landmark destroyed by fire Waltham -A four-alarm fire at 470 Main St. destroyed two businesses yesterday morning, sending three firefighters to the hospital with minor injuries after a floor gave way during the blaze. Sal's Family Restaurant, a fixture in the neighborhood for more than 40 years, and California Convenience store lay in ruins yesterday afternoon, with burnt waste and ashes littering Main Street near Newton Street. Both business were in the same building. Fire Chief Richard Cardillo estimated the damage to be close to $2 million. He said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. "This was a pretty severe fire. Anytime you lose a business or a home I consider it a huge loss," Cardillo said. "I attended this restaurant as a kid." According to Cardillo, Waltham firefighters were called to the blaze at 5:33 a.m. About 10 minutes into battling the fire, the first floor of the building collapsed and two firefighters fell through. "What we're assuming is this started as a cellar fire. As the firefighters were investigating, the floor gave way," Cardillo said. "We were able to conduct a rescue and pull them out." Cardillo praised firefighter Dwight Anderson who was lowered into the cellar to rescue his trapped comrades. The two firefighters who fell through the floor and another firefighter who was helping to rescue them suffered minor injuries. They were treated and released from Newton Wellesly Hospital. As of yesterday, the Waltham Fire Department had not released the names of the injured firefighters. All 10 of Waltham's firefighting companies were sent to the fire and were assisted by firefighters from six communities - Arlington, Cambridge, Lexington, Newton, Watertown and Weston. Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy was at the scene of the fire yesterday speaking to local police, firefighters and residents. "It's a very sad day because (Sal's) was a fixture in Waltham," McCarthy said. "They are a wonderful family. It's very sad." Sal Pinzone, 79, ran the family owned eatery. Yesterday, his son, Michael, talked about the restaurant's legacy. "We grew up here. Back in the late '60s this used to be the corner and all the local kids would hang out on the corner," Michael said, staring at the smoldering storefront. "My dad spent his entire life cooking. There isn't anyone in Waltham that doesn't know Sal's." Michael said he hopes his father can rebuild the restaurant. "I'd love to help him," he said. "If we have the opportunity, I'd love to." Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jun 07, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staff
07/16/07 Fire ravages legacy built by immigrant in Waltham WALTHAM -- For 41 years on Main Street, the Italian immigrant served lunchtime workers and families seeking affordable dinners, like the elbow macaroni slathered with tomato and meat sauce for $4.95 that he christened "American chop suey." Salvatore Pinzone -- Sal to his customers -- catered to masses, except for Thanksgiving, when he cooked for his family. Early yesterday, that legacy was reduced to blackened beams and broken glass, when a fire damaged much of Sal's Family Restaurant and a convenience store next door, at Newton Street. Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo said the cause of the fire, which was reported about 5 a.m. and claimed parts of the roof, was under investigation. "What should my next step be at 79 1/2 ?" said Pinzone, who lives near the restaurant and in a rare occasion missed his 10 a.m. Mass. "So many people have been inconvenienced." Several city residents, including Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, said they hope Sal's reopens. "It's inbred," said McCarthy, who came with her family for the chop suey or fish and chips at least once a week. "This was a family restaurant." The man who created one of Waltham's signature institutions came from Filicudi , an island near Sicily measuring fewer than 6 square miles. In 1947, 19-year-old Pinzone enjoyed working as a fisherman, but made half the pay of his senior counterparts. So when his father and uncle summoned him to Massachusetts, he boarded an American troop transport ship. "I wanted to see what America had to offer me, so I went on my own," he said. He helped his father and uncle at their new restaurant, Colonial Kitchen in Waltham, then moved on to enlist in and cook for the National Guard. But he knew he wanted his own place. After 14 attempts, he opened Sal's in 1966 at an old bakery on Main Street. A few years later, he bought an adjacent supermarket to convert to a dining room, with blue '50s-style booths that filled up for lunch and dinner every day . Lately, Pinzone has arrived by 10 a.m. seven days a week, and on Tuesday mornings he's been driving to Costco to spend $700 on groceries. "This was his kingdom," said Pinzone's son Michael, 49, who lives in Long Island, N.Y., but was at the scene yesterday. "This was everything he owned." Three years ago, as his wife urged him to retire, Pinzone bought the cleaners next door. His son Jon, an artist from Waltham, created an elaborate countertop of gold leaf suspended in polyurethane and a fish tank that hid in a column. Pinzone had hoped to open the bar this fall. "It's awful," said Salvatore Jr., 40, who, like Pinzone's five other children, grew up helping out at the restaurant. He stayed on for 17 years as a chef and manager. "It's like I lost one of my closest friends." The elder Salvatore did not know whether his insurance would cover the $100,000 he said he has spent on the bar, or if he would be able to reopen. With smoke wafting from the interior of charred beams yesterday, he prepared to drive home. "Son of a gun," he said, shaking his head. Edmund Tarallo, a ward councilor, said the restaurant can count on the support of city officials if the Pinzones decide to rebuild. "It was the flavor of the family-ness and the personal touch that Sal and his family put into the restaurant. That went a long way to making it something part of the community." He said city officials could help with the "permitting process and those sorts of things" to allow them to rebuild as fast as possible. "Every generation has taken their turn of eating Sal's pizza and their fried clams," said Lori Kelly, 44, a longtime city resident and customer, whose husband is a ward councilor. "It's gonna be definitely a loss to the community. I would hope that they rebuild. It's just always been there, people that you recognize working behind the counter. Pizza places come and go, but this is the same family." Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 16, 2007, By April Yee Globe Correspondent More info on this story from the WFD Press Release
07/16/07 Jakes OK after rescue from Waltham fire Two firefighters had to be rescued from a four-alarm fire in Waltham yesterday morning that torched two businesses causing $2 million in damage. Link to Story from the Boston Herald on Thur. July 16, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/ Daily News Tribune More info on this story from the WFD Press Release
07/15/07 Fire destroys Waltham convenience store, restaurant WALTHAM -- Dwight Andersen, a Waltham firefighter, was nearing the end of a 24-hour overtime shift when the alarm rang around 5 a.m. this morning. A convenience store and family restaurant were ablaze on Main Street. Shortly after Andersen arrived on the scene, he learned that two firefighters had fallen through a floor and plunged 10 feet into the basement. Andersen was lowered into the burning building, and pulled the two men to safety. Neither was injured, but they were rushed to Newton-Wellesley Hospital to be treated for exhaustion. The fire destroyed much of the interior of California Convenience Store, as well as Sal's Family Restaurant, a Waltham institution that has served up American chop suey and fish and chips to regulars for 41 years. This morning, family and neighbors crowded behind the yellow police tape at the intersection of Newton and Main streets. Salvatore Pinzone, 79, the owner of Sal's, said he had just finished building a bar that he had hoped to open this fall. A woman stopped by the scene, where firefighters still worked into the afternoon, and offered her sympathy to Pinzone. He kissed her hand, and said, "Pazienza." Link to Story from the Boston Globe on Thur. July 15, 2007, By April Yee Globe Correspondent View the photo gallery on Boston.com More info on this story from the WFD Press Release
07/12/07 Waltham Fire Department Kids Summer Camp In SessionWFD Summer Camp Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thur. July 12, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website
07/07/07 Waltham's longest serving firefighter retiresLt. William Kresser's Retirement Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Mon. July 09, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website Photos of Lt. Kresser's Last Shift Submitted by Rick Mitchell, Courtsey of Waltham Firefighters Welfare & ReliefLt. William Kresser stands beside his Fire Engine, Engine 1.Lt. Kresser holds honorary plaque surrounded by his fellow firefighters.
06/07/07 WFD Response to Laboratory Fire at Brandeis Covered in; Link to Story from the Daily news Tribune on Thu Jun 07, 2007, By Jeff Gilbride/Daily News staffView Reprint of Daily News Tribune Article on WFD Website
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