06/01/2026
๐จJune Member Spotlight ๐จ
As we continue our member spotlights, we're proud to recognize longtime volunteer member Pat Pittore.
A lifelong Lambertville resident, Pat has spent decades serving his community in countless ways. He attended St. John Elementary School and South Hunterdon Regional High School before earning degrees from Trenton Junior College (now Mercer County Community College) and Rider University while working full time. His professional career included service with Princeton Township and Borough, the Hunterdon County Department of Health, and the New Jersey Department of Labor, where he ultimately served in leadership roles focused on occupational health and safety before retiring in 2007.
Pat joined the squad at just sixteen years old after hearing the siren and walking to the squad building out of curiosity. There he was introduced to the Youth Squad by Frank Siwy Sr., and after graduating high school he joined the senior squad, beginning a lifetime of service to the community. The opportunity to help others, combined with the excitement of emergency response, made a lasting impression and shaped his commitment to volunteerism.
Although Pat no longer rides regular ambulance shifts, he remains actively involved with the squad and maintains EMT certification in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He currently serves as Team Leader of the LNHARS K9 Unit and continues to play an important role in the organization. Outside of the squad, he serves as Chair of the Lambertville Board of Zoning and Treasurer for both the Palisades Search and Rescue Association and Emergency Response Canines.
Pat's involvement in K9 search and rescue began with a promise to his sons that they could get a dog once the family moved to a home with a yard. What started with one dog quickly grew into a passion shared with his late wife, Spring. Together they trained and worked numerous search dogs over the years, including both live-find and human remains detection K9s. Today, Pat continues that work with Urban and Thunder. Urban was originally Spring's search K9 and FEMA-certified partner, and after her passing in 2023, Pat successfully re-certified Urban and continues their service.
When asked what serving the community means to him, Pat shared that being a first responder allowed him to remain connected to the town where his family's roots are firmly planted. He views service as both an honor and a responsibility, and as a meaningful way to give back to the place he calls home.
Pat also believes volunteering is more than an activity. It's a way of life. While EMS requires training, commitment, and sacrifice, he says the opportunity to serve alongside others who care deeply about the community makes it all worthwhile.
Fun facts about Pat: He once shook hands with President George W. Bush while working with search and rescue teams following the September 11 attacks, won a contest that gave South Hunterdon's school newspaper its name, "The Southern Eagle," and even traveled to Istanbul, Turkey to visit a friend. He also made pizza at the Sergeantsville Inn while he was in school.
Thank you, Pat, for your decades of service, leadership, and dedication to our squad and community.