[Ares-races] Paid vs volunteer radio operators

Thu, 13 Nov 2003 19:27:58 -0500

Yeah, now that I'm reading some of the other comments, I'm being swayed.

Wow!  The pen (or keyboard) IS mightier than the sword.  Go figure.

73,
Marlo
KA2IRQ

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Derby [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2003 3:47 PM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Ares-races] Paid vs volunteer radio operators

Hello Marlo,

I disagree with your interpretation.  If you read closely, you will find
that only teachers are allowed to be paid by their employers and operate ham
radio while doing so.  That is why we use non-employees, or off-duty
employees not scheduled for work to operate ham rigs at hospitals, EOCs,
etc.

Cheers,

Mark, KB8UFF

----- Original Message -----
From: "Marlo Montanaro- KA2IRQ" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2003 6:42 PM
Subject: RE: [Ares-races] Paid vs volunteer radio operators

> Hi Jerry,
>
> I don't see a big problem with it.
>
> If they were using amateur radio to make money, or conduct their regular
> business over the air, that would be different.  If the employee is
> conducting the regular business of the agency over the air- like
dispatching
> a police officer, ordering hospital supplies from a supplier, I think that
> would violate the rules because there are other means of communication
that
> are meant for that type of traffic.  But just because he is on the clock,
I
> don't think that matters- as long as what goes out over the air does not
> make the hospital any money, or provide the hospital (or any other agency)
> with a competitive business advantage, or substitute for a radio service
> that is meant to carry that traffic, I think it is allowed by the rules.
>
> Astronauts get paid to be in space- they operate amateur radio!
>
>
> 73,
> Marlo Montanaro- KA2IRQ
> RACES Radio Officer / ARES DEC / Skywarn Deputy Coordinator / ARRL PIO
> Monmouth County, NJ
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [email protected]
> [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Jerry Reimer
> Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2003 3:39 PM
> To: [email protected]
> 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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