[Ares-races] Paid vs volunteer radio operators

Thu, 13 Nov 2003 01:04:39 -0600

After reading the dressing down posted to the list that mentioned jail house
lawyers I will risk responding here. Unless those agencies installing the
equipment start making, holding an amateur radio license  a requirement for
employment, I can't see a conflict of regulations. An association with
ARES/RACES would be a good idea regardless.  As someone who has to help
prepare amateur response, I don't plan to rely on those officers who are
amateurs as someone to call on for ARES/RACES operations because, most
likely they are going to have other responsibilities.  Although I can see
where it could be beneficial for officers to have, access to AR equipment in
their vehicles and buildings.--73
Doug, N0LKK
 [email protected]
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jerry Reimer" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2003 2:39 PM
Subject: [Ares-races] Paid vs volunteer radio operators

: I have noticed a recent trend where public safety agencies
: (law enforcement), and some hospitals, install amateur
: radio equipment in their facilities.  They all think that
: having amateur radio equipment is a "good idea."  Many of
: them buy and install this equipment, typically two meter
: FM transceivers, with the idea that some of their
: employees who are ham radio operators will use the radios
: "in an emergency."
:
: Based upon what I read, as an employee, expecting me to
: operate using my amateur radio license while I am getting
: paid is a major problem.  Also, as the EMS provider where
: I volunteer learned, it is very difficult for an employee
: to lawfully volunteer their time.
:
: I also see this as a potential problem for the individual
: ham who happens to work for a city or county emergency
: management office, and they install ham radio equipment
: with the expectation that the employees will operate the
: equipment.
:
: The only reasonable solution is for these facilities to
: have some relationship with either an ARES or RACES group
: to quickly get their employees out of the compromising
: situation of operating ham radio while they are
: on-the-clock.  Of course, most EOCs, etc, go into
: lock-down mode "in an emergency," so unless you are
: already known by them, you don't get in the door.
:
: Does anyone else see this occurring in their area, or have
: any comments on this topic?
:
: Jerry Reimer, KK5CA
: District Emergency Coordinator
: ARES District 14, Harris County
: ARRL South Texas Section
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