CROWDS MOURN ‘A TRUE HERO’

Hundreds of uniformed firefighters and community members lined up outside St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Watertown yesterday, where longtime firefighter Joseph A. Toscano — who died while battling a two-alarm blaze last week — was laid to rest.

“This is a true hero — the definition of the word,” said Watertown resident John Coughlin, who was on hand to pay his respects. “For 20 years, he protected my town, property and people in Watertown. ... Everybody in Watertown is very, very grateful, and as you can see, everybody from around the country is very, very grateful as well.”

The funeral procession left Toscano’s hometown of Randolph about 9 a.m. A Watertown fire engine carrying Toscano’s flag-draped casket led the procession, followed by dozens of cars.

Firefighters from across New England lined the street to salute Toscano and honor his memory. Bagpipes played as Toscano’s casket was brought in to the church.

“It could’ve been anybody that day; unfortunately it was Joe Toscano,” said Merrimac firefighter Jim Sevigny. “It could be any one of us on any given day. We all do the job because that’s what we’re here to help, the people, help the city, the towns — it’s what we do.”

Toscano, a 54-year-old father of five, suffered a medical emergency while fighting a fire on Merrifield Avenue last week. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Donations to the Toscano family can be made to: Watertown Firefighters Relief Association Toscano Fund, 99 Main St., Watertown, MA 02472.

‘VERY GRATEFUL’: A color guard and Watertown firefighters take part in the funeral procession of Watertown firefighter Joseph A. Toscano, top.

STAFF PHOTOS BY ANGELA ROWLINGS; PHOTO, TOP LEFT, COURTESY OF THE WATERTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT FINDING COMFORT: The Rev. Ron Coyne, center, and others embrace family members of Watertown firefighter Joseph A. Toscano. At left, pallbearers lead the casket down the aisle.