Amateur Radio Emergency Service

Although the Daviess County Amateur Emergency Service is a separate entity from the Owensboro Amateur Radio Club, the two organizations work hand in hand to serve the community, state, and nation.  Most members of the Owensboro Amateur Radio Club are also members of ARES and participate in drills and volunteer their time, skills, and equipment in the event of actual emergencies.

Bob Spears, AA4RL, is the Daviess County emergency coordinator (EC) as well as the assistant district emergency coordinator (ADEC) for Kentucky ARES District 2.

The designated repeater for Daviess County ARES is the K4HY repeater on 145.330 Mhz with an input frequency of 144.730 MHz and CTCSS tone of 103.5 Hz.  It is also accessible via Echolink with a DTMF code of 999345.

The designated simplex frequency for Daviess County ARES is 146.550 MHz.  It is also accessible via Echolink with a DTMF code of 

Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) is a volunteer organization of licensed amateur radio operators who provide emergency communications during disasters and public service events.

Purpose and Function

ARES operates under the umbrella of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and is dedicated to providing reliable communication when traditional systems fail. Amateur radio operators, often referred to as “hams,” utilize their skills and equipment to establish communication links during emergencies, such as natural disasters, when other communication infrastructures may be compromised.

 

Membership and Involvement

Organizational Structure

ARES is organized at local, regional, and national levels. Each local ARES group is led by an Emergency Coordinator who is responsible for organizing operations and coordinating with local authorities. The structure allows for flexibility and autonomy, enabling local units to respond effectively to their specific community needs.

 

Historical Context and Impact

Since its inception, ARES has played a crucial role in emergency communications during significant events, including the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina. During these disasters, ARES volunteers provided essential communication support for organizations like the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army, demonstrating the vital role amateur radio can play in crisis situations.

 

Contact the Emergency Coordinator for your county to join ARES

ARES is a critical component of emergency management, providing trained volunteers who can quickly establish communication links when all else fails. For those interested in amateur radio and emergency services, joining ARES offers an opportunity to contribute to community resilience during emergencies. For more information, you can visit the official ARRL ARES webpage here.