1of10Guests of the Water Witch Hose Co. #2's annual dinner had an opportunity to select from array of colorful hors d'oeuvres. The event was held at the United Bank Building at 19 Main St. in New Milford Jan. 6 2017.Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less2of10Sisters-in-law Arlene Hulton, left, and Thelma Aldrich share lighthearted conversation at the start of Water Witch Hose Co. # 2's annual dinner held Jan. 6 at the United Bank Building at 19 Main St. in New Milford.Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less3of10Spectrum/Art Carlson, 90, left, and his brother and sister-in-law, Robert, 84, and Pearl Carlson, enjoy the festivities at Water Witch Hose Co.#2's annual dinner held Jan. 6, 2017 at the United Bank Building, 19 Main St., New Milford. Art and Robert each joined the department at 21.Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less4of10Fred Aldrich, president of Water Witch Hose Co. #2 in New Milford, reads the names of the six members of the department who died in 2016, including Aldrich's father, Charlie, and rings the bell in their memory.Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less5of10Water Witch Hose Co. #2 officers, from left to right, second lieutenant Brian Bollaro, first lieutenant Kurt Elsessor, captain Edward Noonan, second assistant Chief Richard Squires Jr. and first assistant chief Dean Newkirk, join steward James Galbraith as they listen as Fire Chief Todd Russell make announcements at the fire department's annual dinner.Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less6of10Water Witch Hose Co. #2 Chief Todd Russell places a 50-year pin on the lapel of longtime member George Buckbee. Buckbee joined the department Nov. 7, 1966.Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less7of10Lyn Miller receives a 50-year pin from Water Witch Hose Co. #2 Chief Todd Russell. Miller joined the department Sept. 12, 1966.Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less8of10Water Witch Hose Co. #2 Chief Todd Russell, right, presents and congratulates Robert Webster with the Chief's Award, recognizing Webster for his dedication and "hours and horus of giving, giving, giving."Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less9of10Spectrum/Patrick Maguire gestures to a fellow guests they should join him on the dance floor at Water Witch Hose Co. #2's annual dinner held Jan. 6, 2017, at the United Bank Building, 19 Main St., New Milford. January 2017Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less10of10Derek Villani showcases his dance moves on the dance floor.Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Spirits were high last Friday night at Water Witch Hose Co. #2’s annual dinner. About 180 people attended the special event that featured hors d’oeuvres, dinner, music and dancing, the department’s annual meeting, awards and the recognition of honorary members. Two members — George Buckbee and Lyn Miller — were each presented 50-year pins, oldest member Paul Hulton was honored as the longest member with 65 years, and Robert Webster was presented the Chief’s Award.