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A big help when there’s trouble

New radio gives emergency personnel another tool

By LEE WILLIAMS
lwilliams@TheCitizenNews.com

David Benoist picked up the microphone and sent out a test help call on the VHF amateur transceiver seated inside the Fayetteville Police Department’s new $350,000 Command Post vehicle.

Another Amateur Radio Emergency Service operator responded. At that moment, Benoist, emergency coordinator for the Fayette County-based ARES, knew he could rest easier. He knew his signal was heard.

Benoist tested the radio mounted inside the vehicle during an open house at the fire department Friday night. The radio was donated by ARES.

With the help of FPD Detective Steve Crawshaw, eight volunteer amateur radio operators got a chance to see how their $300 to $400 contribution would help in the time of disaster.

Capt. Pete Nelms of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, who also doubles as the Emergency Management Agency director, helped coordinate the effort, ARES member Lynn Bianco said.

“The radio was sitting around in the Emergency Operations Center for a few years,” Bianco said. “When they came up with this vehicle, Capt. Nelms said it would be a good fit.”

Amateur radios, also known as Ham radios, are resilient, ARES member Wade Massengill indicated.

“It seems only two things will survive any disaster: cockroaches and amateur radio operators,” Massengill said. “No matter how devastating the hurricane or the earthquake, the amatuer radio operator is often the only remaining link into the affected area.”

The sheer number of amateur radio operators plays a large part in its survival rating, Benoist indicated.

“Amateur radio operators are usually equipped for communication and live in scattered locations around the area,” Benoist said. “In addition, many are familiar with communications coordination and protocol on the air and can use this skill in times of need. If called upon, amateurs can offer their communications skills and use their equipment to supplement other public services if they become overwhelmed or rendered unavailable because of some natural disaster.”

Amateur radio operators operate on a volunteer basis and only assist when requested. Ham operators never charge a fee for their service.

More than 300 licensed Ham operators live in Fayette County. Anyone who would like to join the group can call 770-304-8866 or tune to 145.21 MHZ for their radio net every Tuesday at 9 p.m. Scanner buffs also are welcome.