Former Lambertville-New Hope Ambulance & Rescue Squad Chief Back

A familiar face is back in charge of the Lambertville-New Hope Ambulance and Rescue Squad. The organization is pleased to announce it has named Harry J. Heller III once again as its newest chief. Heller has previously served as chief four times over the past 30 years.

Heller takes over the chief position from Jason E. Strauss, who served from 2014 through 2017.

A member of the squad for over four decades, Heller joined the squad in 1974 and became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in 1975. He has previously served as chief in 1987, 1988, 2004 and 2005. Heller has also previously served as a lieutenant, deputy chief and chief of line operations, as well as vice president / chairman of the board of trustees.

Heller has seen dramatic changes from when he first became chief to today, he said. The biggest of which is the life-saving equipment found on-board ambulances. Things like the Lucas mechanical CPR machine, Narcan nasal spray, used to treat narcotic overdose victims, or even a defibrillator, weren’t found on-board an ambulance during his first administration. He credits that technological evolution for saving countless lives.

He also mentioned the fact that call volume has also increased over the years to nearly 2,000 calls a year, up from about 1,100 back in 1987, which has led to a staffing increase.

An unfortunate change he’s also seen has been the decline of the number of volunteers who have joined the squad. He’s targeted that as a primary issue he wants to address as chief.

First though will be to bring himself up to speed on the changes to the job and maintain the steady course the squad has continued to follow.

“I hope to continue on the path we’ve been on,” he said. “Maybe I will tweak it a bit, but we are going to continue moving forward.”

In addition to his leadership roles with the squad, Heller has also served on several committees over the years, including the ambulance and rescue truck purchase committees. He was the communications / radio officer, equipment officer, and assisted in the establishment of the career staff, which was created to cover emergencies during the day. Heller recently retired as chief of communications for the Hunterdon County 911 communications center.

His father was a charter member of the Lambertville Rescue Squad in 1946.

“I am so proud to once again serve as chief of this terrific squad,” said Heller. “Our volunteers and career staff help save lives every day and it is a privilege to lead them.”

“Having a guy like Harry in charge again is great news,” said President Don Huggins. “He already knows the ropes and will play a big part in moving this team forward.”

The Lambertville-New Hope Ambulance and Rescue Squad responds to approximately 1,900 emergency medical and water rescue calls annually in Lambertville, New Hope, West Amwell, Solebury and Delaware townships. The organization counts on men and women of all ages and all backgrounds to join together and respond to these emergencies. For more information about becoming a volunteer member, visit LNHARS.org.