Cheers to the Water Witch firefighters!

Serving the town The Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2 fire department took a short break from its duties Saturday to kick off the start of its 150th anniversary celebration. In full dress uniform, the volunteer firefighters gathered at the Grove Street (Route 67) firehouse to unveil a shamrock-shaped monument commemorating the fire station's 150 years' service to the community. The ceremony, joined by Mayor Pat Murphy, other state and town officials, families and friends, was the first of numerous events to be held during 2013 to recognize the department's anniversary. For more photos, see the Jan. 18 edition of The Spectrum and visit www.newmilfordspectrum.com. Jan. 5, 2013 Photo: Norm Cummings

Incoming fire chief Jim Ferlow addresses his fellow Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2 firefighters, as well as town and state officials, families and friends on hand Jan. 5, 2013 for the unveiling of the new Malta cross-shaped monument now gracing the grounds at the Grove Street (Route 67) fire house in New Milford. Photo: Norm Cummings

State Sen. Clark Chapin (R-30th) reads a proclamation congratulating Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2 on achieving its 150th anniversary of service to the Greater New Milford community. Hosting the Jan. 5, 2013 ceremony at the firehouse is longtime firefighter, Dave Lathrop, the town's onetime fire marshal who is now beginning year-long duties guiding the department's anniversary recognition. Photo: Norm Cummings

Don Hapke, left, the 2013 assistant fire chief for Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2 in New Milford, and the new chief, Jim Ferlow, flank Mayo Pat Murphy during a Jan. 5, 2013 ceremony to unveil the Malta cross-shaped monument recognizing the firefighters' 150 years' service to the community. Photo: Norm Cummings

New Milford Fire Assocaition president Jim Smith rings Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's ceremonial bell 26 times in memory of those who lost their lives Dec. 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Jan. 12, 2013 at the Candlewood Inn. Photo: Walter Kidd

Chief Jim Ferlow awards Anthony Phillips a pin for 25 years' service during Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd

Brian Knapp is the proud recipient of the Chief's Award from outgoing Chief Jeff Emmons during Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd

Chief Jim Ferlow, right, presents outgoing Chief Jeff Emmons with the ceremonial axe in recognition of his leadership during Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd

Dwayne and Leighann Action enjoy themselves on the dance floor at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield during Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd

Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd

Chip Barth, Dwayne Acton and Jim Smith bond at Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd

Beth Squires and Judilynn Ferlow grace the Spectrum with a pose during Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd

Officers take their bows and respond with appplause for fellow firefighters during Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd

Sixty-four year firefighter Paul Hulton receives an award of appreciation from outgoing Chief Jeff Emmons during Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd

Ken Bailey, left, Ed Noonan and Kurt Elsesser share the spotlight during Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd

Past chief Jim Galbraith enjoys a dance with his wife, Jessica, during Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd

Mayor Pat Murphy honors Chief Jim Ferlow an dhis fellow firefighters during Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2's annual awards dinner at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield. Jan. 12, 2013 Photo: Walter Kidd