Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Communications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears from ham radio operator about Field Day and emergency-communications role
Summary
John Van Dalen thanked the mayor and others for a proclamation recognizing the National Amateur Radio Relay League Field Day and highlighted amateur radio's role as an emergency backup; council members praised the volunteers.
John Van Dalen, an Everett resident and ham radio operator, thanked the council for a proclamation recognizing the National Amateur Radio Relay League Field Day and described the amateur-radio community's role as an independent emergency communications backup.
Van Dalen said his club set up at Legion Park under the call sign WA7LAW for a 24-hour exercise and that the activity helps volunteers maintain short- and long-range communications that can operate independently of cellular networks. "It's not only a hobby, but it's just also really important for in case of emergency, you are our backup," he said.
Council members and the mayor thanked the volunteers. Vice President Zarlingo noted that amateur operators can set up independent communication networks to help first responders if commercial systems fail, and he commended the volunteers for sustaining the exercise and its power independence.
No council action was taken; the remarks were part of the public-comment period and a recognition of volunteer service.
