[KL7AA] FWD: [NEWS_DESK] Ham Operators

[Piet van Weel]

I figured everybody here would like to see this press release. :)

Piet van Weel
IT Manager
KTUU, Channel 2
Anchorage, AK

Parker, David wrote:
>
> Anchorage Police Department
>
> Press Release
>
> May 12, 2009
>
> Contact: Lt. Dave Parker
>
> APD Public Information Officer
>
> 786-8724 Office
>
> 351-1949 Cell
>
>
> ****Special Press Release****
>
> *Anchorage** Police Officers Prepare for the Unthinkable*
>
> What happens when a city looses its electronic infrastructure through 
> natural disaster or cyber attack? The 911 service, cell phones, 
> land-line phones, DSL internet and private networks, fire and burglar 
> alarm systems, hospital computer systems, and credit card systems can 
> all cease to operate. Morgan Hill, California experienced this when in 
> the wee hours of the morning on 5-9-09 (see links below) cyber 
> attackers entered 4 manholes and cut cables completely paralyzing the 
> electronic infrastructure for miles around.
>
> With internet based emergency communications cut, where can you get 
> help? One system that didn’t go down was the ham radio network. 
> Amateur radio personnel sprung into action to assist in the Morgan 
> Hill incident and local hams are ready to do the same here in 
> Anchorage. 32 APD officers and dispatchers have received training from 
> the Anchorage Amateur Radio Club, using a grant obtained by the EOC, 
> and been have licensed as ham operators. AWAIC Shelter employees and 
> AWWU employees are among the growing number of emergency responders 
> and Municipality workers who have obtained licenses and more are on 
> the way. Radio communication equipment has been pre-staged in various 
> places around Anchorage and should the need arise, the ham system 
> complimented by Anchorage Police personnel will be able to step into 
> the gap.
>
> The Anchorage Amateur Radio Club also has been able to obtain 
> equipment for APD Dispatch and the Emergency Operations Center as well 
> as 21 ASD “feeder” schools which may act as emergency shelters or 
> collection points for students in times of disaster. _APD CONTACT – 
> Lt. Dave Koch w- 786-8870 / c- 317-0110_
>
> http://www.perens.com/works/articles/*MorganHill*/ 
> <http://www.perens.com/works/articles/MorganHill/> 
> http://www.morganhilltimes.com/news/255181-vandals-cut-phone-and-internet-cable-cause-headaches-for-residents-businesses-and-law-enforcement 
> http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_12106301 
> http://www.govtech.com/articles/638306 
> http://ducknetweb.blogspot.com/2009/04/cyber-attack-on-morgan-hill-california.html
>