Are you a "ham" radio operator who wants to turn your hobby into a way to help? Do you want to make a valuable contribution to your community by serving in the emergency and disaster communications field? If so, there is a program that may be just right for you.

The Sussex County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is looking for a few good men and women.   Duties include supporting the civilian communications arm of the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center during times of inclement weather, natural or man-made emergencies or large public gatherings.

RACES members benefit from the program's training opportunities and weekly "Open Operating Nights". Rather than a paycheck, RACES members receive a sense of pride and accomplishment while fulfilling Amateur Radio public service activities. You will be recognized for your skills, knowledge, participation, and willingness to learn.

While an amateur radio license is preferred, training will be provided to those interested in obtaining their FCC license.

For more information, call John Ferguson-K3PFW, Sussex County RACES Radio Officer, at (302) 855-9385 or email John at:

The Sussex County RACES Group will continue to host a weekly "Open Operating Night" at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Our next scheduled Open Operating Night will be Thursday, March 4. Amateur Radio Station KB3HEV will be open and available to any licensed amateur radio operator who wishes to learn more about the county's RACES program, or become more proficient with using the EOC station equipment. All are welcome. KB3HEV is active on 80m, 40m, 20m, 2m, 70cm, and EchoLink (as KB3PML). Refreshments will be available. Come enjoy the fun, the fellowship, and the FOOD!

KB3HEV contacted the following stations during the last Open Operating Night:

Directions:

The Emergency Operations Center is located at the Sussex County Airport in Georgetown, Delaware. From Rt 113 (DuPont Boulevard), take Rt 9 (County Seat Highway / W. Market Street) east toward Lewes. At The Circle, take the second exit onto E. Market Street. Follow E. Market Street past the Little League baseball field. At the traffic light. turn right onto Airport Road. Cross the railroad tracks and turn right. You will see the airport on your left. At the stop sign, turn left into the Sussex County Airport. The EOC is the brick building on the left behind the fence. Parking is available in the front lot.

Talk-in frequency is 147.075 MHz; PL is 156.7; call KB3HEV to access the building.

Well, we are going to try again for a regular monthly meeting of the Sussex County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) Group. Seems we've been cancelling more meetings due to weather...although many of our members have been right here and busy, due to winter weather issues. Here's hoping Spring is on the way and the March meeting will be Thursday, the 11th at 7:30 PM in the Training Room of the EOC. The March meeting also marks the third anniversary of the start of the RACES program in Sussex County, so look forward to a party.

Later, 73

John S. Ferguson-K3PFW
Sussex County RACES Radio Officer

NHC Director Bill Read provides the TV audience with the latest information on Hurricane Ida, Nov. 2009