Watertown CT Police Department

08/31/2026

🎒📚 Welcome Back, Watertown Students!

Today is the first day of school, and we’re excited to see our students, families, teachers, and staff back in action! 🚌🍎

As everyone settles into the new school year, we’re asking all drivers to slow down, stay alert, and drive with due regard for the safety of our students. Please be especially mindful during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal, and watch carefully for students walking or biking to and from school.

🚨 Our patrol officers will be out throughout the community actively enforcing traffic laws and monitoring school zones.

A few extra seconds of patience can make a huge difference. Put the phone down, watch your speed, yield to pedestrians, and give school buses plenty of room.

Let’s work together to make sure everyone gets to school—and back home—safely!

They're back! When school starts, kids are everywhere. And they c...

08/28/2026

Please join us in congratulating Officer Walter “Billy” Weidemier on his new assignment as the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Watertown High School!

Officer Weidemier is a proud Watertown High School Class of 1990 graduate, making his return to WHS a special one. He earned his Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Naugatuck Valley Community College and went on to dedicate an impressive 25 years of service to the Waterbury Police Department from 1998 to 2023.

Throughout his career, Officer Weidemier served in a variety of assignments and was a member of the Waterbury Police Department Street Crimes Unit from 2006–2018. In 2009, he was honored as the Waterbury Police Department’s Officer of the Year. He also received numerous awards and commendations throughout his career for his dedication and service to the community.

Following his retirement from Waterbury Police Department in 2023, Officer Weidemier joined the Watertown Police Department, where he has served in our Patrol Division.

Now, he is excited to begin this new chapter and return to the halls of the school where his own journey began. As an SRO, Officer Weidemier will work closely with students, staff, families, and the entire school community to help foster a safe, positive, and welcoming school environment. We are excited to have his experience, dedication, and passion for community service become part of the Watertown High School team.

08/27/2026

This morning, we had the privilege of welcoming our newest officers, Recruit Aleury Gomez Ramirez and Recruit Michael Helvenston to the Watertown Police Department as they were officially sworn in as our newest police recruits during a ceremony at Police Headquarters.

Both recruits bring unique experiences, strong educational backgrounds, and—most importantly—a genuine desire to serve and support the Watertown community.

Recruit Gomez Ramirez moved to Connecticut from the Dominican Republic at the age of nine and grew up in Waterbury. A graduate of Waterbury Arts Magnet School, he studied Criminology at Naugatuck Valley Community College. His passion for policing comes from a desire to help others and to become an officer the community can trust, approach, and depend on.

Recruit Helvenston has called Watertown home for the past 22 years and is a proud graduate of Watertown High School, Class of 2022. He recently earned his Bachelor's Degree in Criminology with a minor in Pre-Law from Eastern Connecticut State University. A former club rugby player and senior-year team captain, Michael developed a strong appreciation for teamwork, leadership, and performing under pressure. His experiences in college and volunteering at a local soup kitchen helped solidify his desire to pursue a career in policing and serve his community.

Tomorrow, Aleury and Michael begin the next chapter of their journey as they report to the Milford Police Academy. The academy will be challenging, demanding, and rewarding—and we are excited to watch them learn, grow, and develop into the officers they aspire to be.
Please join us in congratulating Recruit Gomez Ramirez and Recruit Helvenston and wishing them the very best as they begin their academy journey!

Pictured above left to right: Deputy Chief Jared D'Andrea, Recruit Michael Helvenston, Recruit Aleury Gomez Ramirez and Chief Joshua Bernegger.

08/21/2026

🎒 Back to School Safety Reminder! 🚔

The first day of school in Watertown is Monday, August 31st! As our students, families, teachers, and staff prepare to head back to school, the Watertown Police Department wants to remind everyone to slow down, stay alert, and help keep our school community safe.

🚸 Drivers: Watch for children in crosswalks, school buses, and increased pedestrian traffic. Put the phone down, follow posted speed limits, and be especially attentive in school zones.

🚌 Remember: When a school bus has its red lights activated, STOP and remain stopped until the lights are off and the bus is moving again.

🎥 Be sure to watch the video featuring Officer Willie Quarles, who is the SRO at Swift Middle School for some important back-to-school safety reminders!

Let's work together to make sure our students have a safe, successful, and positive start to the 2026–2027 school year!

Welcome back, Watertown! We’ll see you on August 31st! 🍎📚

They're back! When school starts, kids are everywhere. And they c...

08/17/2026

The 4th annual Back to School Event sponsored by the Watertown Police Benevolent Association, Staples, and WHS graduate Emma Conard, will be stuffing a cruiser with school supplies on August 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Staples, located at 544 Straits Turnpike.

08/08/2026

🚧 TRAFFIC ADVISORY – NIGHT OUT ON MAIN STREET 🚧
Join us for Night Out on Main Street tonight, August 8th, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for an evening of family fun, community engagement, local businesses, food, and entertainment!
To ensure the safety of everyone attending, please be aware of the following temporary road closures and traffic changes:
🚧 Road Closure: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Main Street will be closed from Woodruff Avenue to Depot Street.
Limited local access will be available for Pythian Avenue residents.
🚗 Restricted Traffic Areas
Main Street between French Street and Woodruff Avenue
Main Street between Echo Lake Road and Depot Street
Traffic will be detoured around the event area. Please follow posted detour signs and directions from police officers and traffic personnel.
We encourage everyone to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes if you are not attending the event.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to provide a safe and enjoyable evening for our community

08/07/2026

·
🚧 TRAFFIC ADVISORY – NIGHT OUT ON MAIN STREET 🚧
Join us for Night Out on Main Street tomorrow, August 8th 2026 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for an evening of family fun, community engagement, local businesses, food, and entertainment!
To ensure the safety of everyone attending, please be aware of the following temporary road closures and traffic changes:
🚧 Road Closure: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Main Street will be closed from Woodruff Avenue to Depot Street.
Limited local access will be available for Pythian Avenue residents.
🚗 Restricted Traffic Areas
Main Street between French Street and Woodruff Avenue
Main Street between Echo Lake Road and Depot Street
Traffic will be detoured around the event area. Please follow posted detour signs and directions from police officers and traffic personnel.
We encourage everyone to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes if you are not attending the event.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to provide a safe and enjoyable evening for our community

08/01/2026

Please join the Watertown Police Department in congratulating Officer Morgan DeMarest on her successful graduation from the New Haven Police Academy this evening!

Officer DeMarest has demonstrated the dedication, perseverance, and commitment required to reach this important milestone, and we are excited to officially welcome her to our department.

We wish Officer DeMarest a long, safe, and rewarding career as she begins serving the residents of Watertown. Congratulations, and welcome to the team!

Pictured left to right: Chief Bernegger, Officer DeMarest and Deputy Chief D’Andrea

07/21/2026

Tomorrow, McCall Behavioral Health Network will host a Naloxone (Narcan) Pop-Up Event at the Depot Square Mall from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available.

Watertown Police Department CLEAR (Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery) trained officers will be on-site alongside McCall staff to provide support, answer questions, and connect individuals and families with resources and treatment services. Free Naloxone (Narcan) and information on overdose prevention and recovery resources will also be available.

This event is open to anyone seeking information, support, or access to services. Whether you're looking for help for yourself, a loved one, or simply want to learn more about overdose prevention, we encourage you to stop by.

📍 Location: Depot Square Mall
🗓️ Date: Tomorrow
🕤 Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

07/20/2026

The Watertown Police Department is proud to partner with McCall Behavioral Health Network through the Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery (CLEAR) Initiative.

CLEAR is a collaborative program designed to connect individuals affected by substance use with compassionate support, resources, and pathways to recovery. Through this partnership, we are taking a proactive, non-punitive approach to addressing substance use and overdose in our community.

When someone experiences an overdose or has a substance use-related interaction with law enforcement, CLEAR provides voluntary outreach and support. Trained Community Engagement Specialists and Family Recovery Coaches work directly with individuals and their families to offer guidance, encouragement, and connections to care.

Services available through CLEAR include:
✅ Follow-up outreach after an overdose or police encounter
✅ Connections to treatment and support services
✅ Peer support from individuals with lived experience
✅ Access to overdose prevention resources, including naloxone
✅ Family support, coaching, and education
✅ Assistance with housing, employment, and other basic needs

CLEAR is built on trust, dignity, and respect. Whether someone is seeking treatment, looking for support, or simply trying to stay safer, CLEAR is here to help.

If you or someone you know could benefit from CLEAR services in Watertown, please contact:
📞 CLEAR Initiative: 860-294-4044
📞 McCall Behavioral Health Network: 860-496-2100

Together, we can reduce overdose risk, support recovery, and build a healthier, safer community.