K2MLS
03-28-2008, 03:55 PM
"Amateur Radio Operators Asked to Help Relay AMBER Alerts
CAMP MURRAY – Washington amateur radio operators are being invited by the Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD) and the Washington State Patrol (WSP) to join the AMBER Alert system which provides child kidnapping alerts.
The program, which is modeled on similar, successful system in California, asks the approximately 27,000 licensed amateur radio operators in Washington to enroll in the AMBER Alert system to report on persons or vehicles named in the alert.
“Amateur radio operators are a good resource because they are mobile, have good communications, have close ties to their communities and usually are already associated with a local government agency,” said Monte Simpson, WSP Communications Manager in Bremerton.
Simpson developed the Washington version of the new program in conjunction with Bob Purdon, Washington State Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) Officer in the Washington Emergency Management Division, as well as with local emergency management directors, amateur radio emergency communications leaders and statewide amateur radio repeater operators.
“I have approved the new program and am appreciative of the amateur radio community’s willingness to help improve what has become an important tool in the recovery of AMBER victims,” said Jim Mullen, EMD director.
Chief of the Washington State Patrol, Chief John Batiste said, “This initiative is an effective way to quickly mobilize thousands of eyes and ears in local communities across the State. We are pleased that RACES members and other amateur radio operators have volunteered their support.”
All citizens are encouraged to sign up to receive AMBER Alerts by text message on your cell phone, e-mail or by pager. Visit the Amber Alert Web Portal at http://www.washingtonamberalert.com/ and click on “Sign-up to Receive Amber Alerts”.
Questions regarding AMBER Alerts may be directed to Marty Knorr, WSP Amber Alert coordinator, at marty.knorr@wsp.wa.gov."
Any ham in Washington State, or adjacent provinces/states, regardless of group affiliation is asked to participate in the Radio Amateur AMBER Alert Network.
Hams who receive AMBER Alerts are asked to not endanger themselves or the victim(s) by attempting intervention on their own. Hams who see suspect vehicles, suspects or victims are asked to call 9-1-1 and provide information to the local law enforcement agency.
Amateur radio operators who are not a member of RACES are invited to join their county's RACES program.
Any questions regarding the Radio Amateur AMBER Alert Network may be addressed to:
Robert Purdom, AD7LJ
Washington State RACES Radio Officer
races@emd.wa.gov
Monte Simpson, K2MLS
Washington State Patrol
Monte.Simpson@wsp.wa.gov
Service to the Community through Amateur Radio
CAMP MURRAY – Washington amateur radio operators are being invited by the Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD) and the Washington State Patrol (WSP) to join the AMBER Alert system which provides child kidnapping alerts.
The program, which is modeled on similar, successful system in California, asks the approximately 27,000 licensed amateur radio operators in Washington to enroll in the AMBER Alert system to report on persons or vehicles named in the alert.
“Amateur radio operators are a good resource because they are mobile, have good communications, have close ties to their communities and usually are already associated with a local government agency,” said Monte Simpson, WSP Communications Manager in Bremerton.
Simpson developed the Washington version of the new program in conjunction with Bob Purdon, Washington State Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) Officer in the Washington Emergency Management Division, as well as with local emergency management directors, amateur radio emergency communications leaders and statewide amateur radio repeater operators.
“I have approved the new program and am appreciative of the amateur radio community’s willingness to help improve what has become an important tool in the recovery of AMBER victims,” said Jim Mullen, EMD director.
Chief of the Washington State Patrol, Chief John Batiste said, “This initiative is an effective way to quickly mobilize thousands of eyes and ears in local communities across the State. We are pleased that RACES members and other amateur radio operators have volunteered their support.”
All citizens are encouraged to sign up to receive AMBER Alerts by text message on your cell phone, e-mail or by pager. Visit the Amber Alert Web Portal at http://www.washingtonamberalert.com/ and click on “Sign-up to Receive Amber Alerts”.
Questions regarding AMBER Alerts may be directed to Marty Knorr, WSP Amber Alert coordinator, at marty.knorr@wsp.wa.gov."
Any ham in Washington State, or adjacent provinces/states, regardless of group affiliation is asked to participate in the Radio Amateur AMBER Alert Network.
Hams who receive AMBER Alerts are asked to not endanger themselves or the victim(s) by attempting intervention on their own. Hams who see suspect vehicles, suspects or victims are asked to call 9-1-1 and provide information to the local law enforcement agency.
Amateur radio operators who are not a member of RACES are invited to join their county's RACES program.
Any questions regarding the Radio Amateur AMBER Alert Network may be addressed to:
Robert Purdom, AD7LJ
Washington State RACES Radio Officer
races@emd.wa.gov
Monte Simpson, K2MLS
Washington State Patrol
Monte.Simpson@wsp.wa.gov
Service to the Community through Amateur Radio