With sadness, we announce the passing of Ex-Captain Fred Herder.
Fred joined the Whitehouse Rescue Squad in 1988 and dedicated over a decade of service to the organization. During his time with the Squad, he held many positions, including Captain, and was known for his commitment and dedication to the community.
In addition to his service with Whitehouse Rescue Squad, Fred was also an active member of the former Ortho First Aid Squad, where he worked professionally.
Fred was heavily involved in numerous fundraising efforts throughout the years, most notably the annual Busher’s Wonderbar Dinner, which helped raise thousands of dollars for the Squad.
Fred’s dedication to public service was truly a family commitment. He served as Captain while his wife, Linda, served as Squad President. Their daughter, Vicki, also joined the squad, continuing the family tradition of service. His son-in-law, Phil, currently serves as President of the Whitehouse Fire Company, making the family an outstanding example of dedication to the community and emergency services.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Fred’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.
Services will be held through Kearns Funeral Home.
Today we participated in Readington Township’s Memorial Day Parade, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. It was great to see everyone!
Come see us at the annual Memorial Day Parade!ONE WEEK TILL THE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE!
PARADE STARTS AT 10:30 AM
FLAG CEREMONY AT 11:45 AM
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!
Whitehouse Rescue Squad is proud to recognize several of our members who were honored with Unit Citations by the 200 Club of Hunterdon County for their lifesaving efforts during three separate CPR saves in 2025.
Each of these calls resulted in the patient making a full recovery — a reminder of the impact that early CPR/defibrillation , strong teamwork, and dedicated emergency responders can have in our community.
Recognized for the April 20, 2025 CPR save were FF/EMT Nick Brunetti, Lt. Joe McChesney, EMT Sophie Esarco, and EMT Owen Heft.
Recognized for the August 14, 2025 CPR save were FF/EMT Zach Waseleski and FF/EMT Ryan Levison.
Recognized for the October 1, 2025 CPR save were Deputy Chief George Liothake, Assistant Chief Brad Fagan, Captain William Wallace, FF/EMT Evan Lundy, and EMT/FF Pat Paul.
Deputy Chief of EMS Harrison Laverty and Chief Jeff Herzog were also in attendance for the recognition.
In EMS, the impact of this work is often felt in moments that pass quickly and quietly. Our members make a difference in people’s lives every day, often without the chance to fully see or appreciate the outcome. It was especially meaningful to see these crews recognized for the dedication they bring to the community.
Congratulations to all who were recognized, and thank you to the 200 Club of Hunterdon County for honoring the work of first responders across our county! Congratulations on your 50 year anniversary.
We would also like to extend our congratulations to the Readington Township Police Department for receiving multiple recognitions for their service above and beyond to the community in 2025.
This afternoon WHRS units and Whitehouse Fire were dispatched to the individual with their arm stuck underneath a vehicle. Rescue BLS 22-55 and BLS 22-52 responded immediately followed by Heavy Rescue 22-5.
Units arrived on scene to find officers from Readington Police Department with the patient in the backyard. Rescue BLS 22-55 was able to navigate through a number of objects to get hydraulic tools right next to the patient.
Rescue BLS 22-55’s operator began setting up the tools while Rescue Technician’s began cribbing the vehicle. Hydraulic Spreaders were used to lift the vehicle enough to free the patients arm. The patient was extricated in less than 4 minutes from Rescue BLS 22-55’s arrival. The patient was transferred to BLS 22-52 for transport to a local hospital with non life threatening injuries. Rescue BLS 22-55 is unique as it carries a heavier compliment of rescue tools while having patient transport capability.