The New Milford Police Department is celebrating 50 years of service. As part of the anniversary celebration yesterday, Chief Spenser Cerruto announced a partnership with the Nelson D’Ancona Foundation which will allow the department to have a helicopter. The chopper will be used for search and rescue, water incidents, Ariel Command and Control of critical incident management if needed, Assisting Special Teams, Community/Educational events and other activities. Through the partnership, there is no operating nor insurance costs born by the Town of New Milford. Cerruto was hired last year to bring community policing to New Milford. He initiated a downtown weekend foot or bike patrol this summer. Cerruto plans to start a citizen police academy, form a chief’s advisory board, and begin the State Police accreditation process.