Hat’s off to Wayne County ARC for scoring this news report from their latest meeting! This was in the print edition of last Tuesday’s The Wayne Independent.
Submitted by WN3LIF
Emergency Coordinator Named
By Kelly Waters
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
The Wayne Independent Newspaper
WAYMART – During a meeting of the Wayne County Amateur Radio Club on Monday, Dave Corey, KC3AX, of Lake Ariel, was appointed as the emergency coordinator for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service program (ARES), which is part of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).
Wayne County Commissioners Jonathan Fritz and W.T. Jones, section emergency coordinator for eastern Pennsylvania were also in attendance.
The Wayne County ARES works closely with the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to assist when needed.
New position
Corey has 35 years of experience as an amateur radio operator. He has also served as a Wayne County EMA radio officer.
“I’m looking forward to working with them and the updated mandates that have been set,” Corey stated.
“I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge. The ARRL is a great organization.”
Fritz commended Corey on the position.
“I want to give a tip of the hat to Dave,” stated Fritz. He’s very professional and he is dedicated to what he does. “Wayne County will be well served by Corey and the other dedicated Amateurs Radio Operators.”
Fritz also commended the organization for what they do.
“How many people go about their daily lives… and not understand the network that’s out there with mandated reporters and the people who have a responsibility to look out for our best interests, health and safety,” he said.
“You folks play an integral part in that process.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thanks…please keep it up for local and national security.”
Jones added he’s looking forward to working with Corey.
“Dave Corey, KC3AX, brings a tremendous amount of practical experience and dedication to the position of the ARRL ARES EC,” he stated.
“His greatest challenge as time goes forward will be recruiting more Amateur Radio Operators as ARES Volunteers.
“I have no doubt that Dave will rise to that challenge and build an ARES organization that will be a model for the rest of our Eastern PA section.’
From left are Dave Corey, KC3AX; Wayne County Commissioner Jonathan Fritz and W.T. Jones, section emergency coordinator for eastern Pennsylvania.
PHOTO BY KELLY WATERS
Background
The ARES is one of the programs in the ARRL field division.
Its purpose is to assist with communication and are sometimes the only means of communication since the radios operate independently of the power grid.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also uses ham radios and works with ARRL volunteers.
It is an nonprofit organization that has relationships with groups such as FEMA, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Department of Defense and the Boy Scouts of America.
The ARRL has headquarters in Newington, CT and is the national association of amateur radio. It recently celebrated 100 years of operation.
There are currently 170,000 members and there are operations in 71 different sections across the nation.
In the eastern Pennsylvania section, there are 34 counties with 61 affiliated clubs and 3,800 members.
Amateur radio
Operators organize communication networks and assist with local government and emergency officials. They also provide noncommercial communication for private citizens affected by disaster.
Amateur radio operators work with officials and organizations at the local, state and national level.
At the national level they work through the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), which is run through FEMA and ARES.
Around the world there are about three million amateur radio operators.
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