Total number of calls answered
in 2004 was
560


The Hose Cart
Water Witch's Pride and Joy


128 dedicated volunteers ready to answer
the call...24 hours a day...7 days a week

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After a disastrous fire in 1860, a group of citizens met for the purpose of procuring an engine and other equipment necessary to protect the center of the Town. Some sixty men subscribed to this organization and a collection of $1195 made it possible to purchase an engine and 200 feet of hose.

On August 1, 1863 the by-laws of the Association were adopted and the first tax was levied in January of 1864. Land was purchased on Railroad Street and a fire house was constructed at a cost of $900. In April of 1874 the  Association requested the New Milford Water Company to install lines and hydrants

within the district. In 1876, a new hose cart and hose were purchased and the engine house was from this date known as the Hose House.

In early 1883 larger quarters were needed and the Association purchased a site on Church Street and its construction was completed in 1890. In 1891 the Directors gave the Hose Company permission to use the fire equipment "outside of its district" and this practices continues to this day.

After the major fire of 1902, the Association requested the New Milford Water Company to increase its mains to

"supply adequate pressure to the hydrants." and a 12-inch line was installed through the business areas.

In April of 1916 the Association purchased its first automotive fire truck and served the community until it was retired and solid in 1935. In March of 1923, an American LaFrance combination Pumper and Hose Cart was purchased and remained in service until 1952.

In January of 1926, the present Air Whistle Alarm System was installed and controlled by the operators of the Southern New England Telephone Company.
 

In May of 1941, the Association purchased one of the most modern pieces of fire equipment to be seen anywhere in this area -- a combination pumper, hose and ladder truck. In 1956, all mobile units were equipped with radio and a control station was placed in the Hose House.

In this same year, the need for larger and more modern quarter became evident and property on Grove Street was purchased.

The present firehouse was completed in 1960 featuring a meeting room upstairs and five truck pays with a sixth bay added in 1986.

In 1980 the town built a four-bay substation in the Lanesville district substantially improving the fire protection for the southern part of New Milford. In the late 1990's, three more bays were added bring the total number of bays to seven.

In the late 1980's, two additional bays were added to the back of the Grove Street fire house. In 1989, Water Witch Hose Co. #2 took delivery of their 102-foot aerial ladder truck.

From its beginnings in the mid 19th century until today, the Water Witch Hose Company No. 2 has proudly served and protected the citizens and property of the greater New Milford area.

142 years...Hundreds of Citizen Volunteers...A rich history with a bright future for New Milford.

Current Officers of Water Witch Hose Co. 2
 

Kevin Reynolds Chief
Dwayne Acton 1st Assistant Chief
James Galbraith 2nd Assistant Chief
Jeff Emmons Captain
Phil Espitee Jr. 1st Lieutenant
James Ferlow 2nd Lieutenant
George Buckbee President
Dean Newkirk Secretary
Lyn Miller Treasurer
Paul Thurlow Steward

Past Fire Chiefs - Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2

Phil Planz 1901 - 1903 Ed Plumb 1948 - 1948 Ralph Leavenworth 1979 - 1980
Joe La Hait 1904 - 1904 Russ V. Carlson 1949 - 1949 Alan Tiebout 1981 - 1982
Charles Planz 1905 - 1905 Charles D. Couch 1950 - 1951 Robert Moore Jr. 1983 - 1985
John F. Addis 1906 - 1907 Charles R. Ohmen 1952 - 1953 Kenneth Bailey 1986 - 1987
Henry Donnelly 1908 - 1910 Thomas J. Leahey 1954 - 1956 Robert B. Webster 1988 - 1989
William J. Clark 1911 - 1918 Gordon Lewis 1957 - 1958 Alan Hall 1990 - 1991
Thomas E. Leahey 1919 - 1925 John Noble 1959 - 1960 Dean Newkirk 1992 - 1994
Timothy J. McMahon 1926 - 1927 James R. Hulton Jr. 1961 - 1963 Robert Zaloski 1995 - 1996
Harry Northrop 1928 - 1928 Ambrose McGill 1964 - 1965 Glen Krizan 1997 - 1999
Leo Murphy 1929 - 1929 Thomas Carlisle Jr. 1966 - 1967 Dwayne Acton 2000 - 2001
Reuben Warner 1930 - 1931 Harry H. Taylor Jr. 1968 - 1969 Donald Hapke 2002- 2003
Boynton Ferriss 1932 - 1933 John Dyer 1970 - 1971 Steven Budrow 2004 - 2004
Lynn Deming 1934 - 1939 Alan Law 1972 - 1973 Patrick Maguire 2005-2006
Ken Taylor 1940 - 1945 James Caldwell 1974 - 1976 Kevin Reynolds 2006-
Paul Richmond 1946-1947 Frank Hapke Jr. 1977 - 1978    
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