Photo: Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media
Image 1of/10

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 10
Guests 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. less
Guests 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 ... more
Photo: Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media
Image 2 of 10
Sisters-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. less
Sisters-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 ... more
Photo: Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media
Image 3 of 10
Spectrum/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. less
Spectrum/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, ... more
Photo: Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media
Image 4 of 10
Fred 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.
Fred 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.
Photo: Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media
Image 5 of 10
Water 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. less
Water 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 ... more
Photo: Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media
Image 6 of 10
Water 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.
Water 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.
Photo: Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media
Image 7 of 10
Lyn Miller receives a 50-year pin from Water Witch Hose Co. #2 Chief Todd Russell. Miller joined the department Sept. 12, 1966.
Lyn Miller receives a 50-year pin from Water Witch Hose Co. #2 Chief Todd Russell. Miller joined the department Sept. 12, 1966.
Photo: Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media
Image 8 of 10
Water 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."
Water 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."
Photo: Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media
Image 9 of 10
Spectrum/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 2017 less
Spectrum/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. ... more
Photo: Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media
Image 10 of 10
Derek Villani showcases his dance moves on the dance floor.
Derek Villani showcases his dance moves on the dance floor.
Photo: Deborah Rose / Hearst Connecticut Media

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.

Fire Chief Todd Russell also introduced the 2017 officers. They are 1st assistant chief Dean Newkirk, 2nd assistant chief Richard Squires Jr., captain Edward Noonan, first lieutenant Kurt Elsessor, second lieutenant Brian Bollaro, steward James Galbraith, president Fred Aldrich, secretary William Byrd and treasurer Lyn Miller. For more photographs, visit www.newmilfordspectrum.com.