Squad Leadership
The Whitehouse Rescue Squad is made up of a variety of talented individuals who come from Readington, Tewksbury, Lebanon, Clinton Township and as far away as Pennsylvania to volunteer their time. They serve as Emergency Medical Technicians, Rescue Services Personnel, Administrative Support, and for Community Outreach. Our diversity is represented in our leaders. Please take a moment to read about their backgrounds.
The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board is responsible for finance, planning, community outreach, recruitment and retention, etc. The Board is elected annually for one and two year terms in December. The Board appoints a Chief, and the Chief appoints his operational leaders.
Operational Leadership
Chief: Jeff Herzog
Jeff has been part of emergency services for many years and a member of the Whitehouse Rescue Squad since 1993. As Chief, he provides leadership for thousands of calls including Hurricanes Sandy, Irene and Floyd, Y2K events, response to the September 11th attacks, and other localized major incidents. Jeff has extensive rescue services training in various disciplines of rescue services, as well as a keen business acumen from holding executive level positions in several small businesses. In addition to serving on various countywide agencies for leadership and management, Jeff is responsible for the overall operational management and strategic planning of the organization.
Deputy Chief of EMS: Harrison Laverty
Harrison has been with Whitehouse Rescue for over 7 years. He spent 5 years working as a 911 dispatcher and earned his bachelors degree in criminal justice. In addition to EMS, Harrison is a certified firefighter of over 10 years. Harrison previously oversaw the onboarding of new members before transitioning into the role of Deputy Chief.
Deputy Chief of Rescue Services: George Liothake
George is responsible for the WHRS Rescue Services Division. Despite over 30 years of extensive training in rescue services, George, still regularly attends ongoing education in the latest rescue methods and techniques. As a 20+ year resident of Readington, he has volunteered with the Whitehouse Rescue Squad in various capacities, from front line EMT to former Chief of department and currently heading rescue services. As a squad wellness advocate, you will often see George walking/running/biking around Readington or hiking across our preserved open lands and trails. If you do, make sure to say hello and ask how you too can support the squad and our community!
Assistant Chief of Operations: Lewis Moore
Lewis has been with the Whitehouse Rescue Squad since 2016 and has also served as the Deputy Chief of EMS. Lewis holds many rescue and firefighting certifications and is also a career firefighter with the Jersey City Fire Department. Lewis continues to support many of the operational functions for the squad.
Assistant Chief of Rescue: Brad Fagan
Brad has been a member of WHRS since 2019, active in both EMS and Rescue Services Divisions. Brad has extensive rescue and firefighter training and also currently serves as a line officer with the Peapack Gladstone Fire Department.
EMS Captain: Avery Schaefer
Avery has been a member of WHRS since 2020, and is currently active in the EMS and Rescue services divisions. Avery is also a Registered Nurse (RN), and has experience in both the hospital and prehospital setting. She currently works in the Emergency Room at Hunterdon Medical Center in addition to her roles here at WHRS. Avery's roles include medical supplies as well as assisting with onboarding duties. Avery enjoys taking rescue classes, and holds many certifications including firefighter and technician level rescue.
EMS Captain: Anthony Duarte
Anthony has been with Whitehouse Rescue for over 7 years, active in both EMS and Rescue Services Division. In addition to EMS, Anthony is a certified firefighter of 10 years and holds many fire and rescue certifications. Anthony is currently in charge of driver training which prepares new squad members on how to safely operate emergency vehicles.
Rescue Captain: Zach Waseleski
Rescue Captain: Chris Steitz
Rescue Services Lieutenant: William Wallace
William (Billy) Has been with the WHRS since 2019, Active in both Rescue Services and Ems. Billy holds numerous rescue and firefighting certifications. In his personal life Billy Is a Certified Emergency Vehicle Technician where he is a Diesel Mechanic and repairs Fire apparatus. Billy's roles include Rescue company onboarding and he is a driver trainer.
EMS Lieutenant: Karl Heidersberger
BOT Leadership
President of the Board of Trustees: Bob Rainey
Bob has previously held the roles of President, Treasurer, and Chief. He is also active with the squad’s Rescue Services Division and is a member of the Hunterdon County Technical Rescue Task Force as well as many other local community organizations. He is also certified as a CPR/First Aid instructor.
Vice President of the Board of Trustees: Mike Pikulin
Mike joined the rescue squad in 2016 as an EMT and has previously served as a Board of Trustees member. He has a background in Engineering and Corporate Management as well as consulting. He also represents the rescue squad as a member of the Medical Reserve Corps in Hunterdon County.
Treasurer: Kathy Zielinski
Kathy was voted onto the Board of Trustees in June 2014 and was chosen to act in the Treasurer role. She has many years of experience as an accountant and has also helped manage funds for many local organizations.
Secretary: Bob Spielberger
Bob initially joined our organization as a volunteer EMT. Recognizing his dedication and capabilities, he accepted the nomination for Trustee and continues to serve as our Company Secretary. As Chairperson and Committee Member, we value his active involvement in Buildings & Grounds, LOSAP, Grant Writing, Fund Raising, Technology, and community engagements. Bob formed a partnership with a domestic clothing shed collection organization that generates a monthly revenue, significantly contributing to our expenses. His strong belief in community support is evident in his roles as a local firefighter, NJ Sustainability lead, and active participant in various township initiatives. His other contributions include as a Red Cross CPR Instructor and National Disaster Shelter Manager.
Board Member: John Skinner:
John is a former EMS Captain with the squad and has substantial leadership
experience with rescue operations and command structure.
Board Member: Jeff Zielinski:
Jeff joined the rescue squad as a supportive member in 2015 and became
a Board of Trustee member in 2016. Currently, he is Fundraising Chair for
the squad. He is retired from Bristol-Myers Squibb and International Flavors
and Fragrances. He has background in Finance, Accounting and Strategic
sourcing. He is an adjunct professor instructing supply chain concepts for
Rutgers University.
Board Member: Deb Dawson:
Deb joined the rescue squad in 2024. She is retired and an active volunteer with the Flemington
Area Food Pantry and Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, in addition to the squad. Before Deb
retired, she was an award-winning reporter and an editor for several of Hunterdon County’s
newspapers. She was also a Navy Reservist for 20 years, retiring as a lieutenant commander.