Communications Volunteer Group Offers Amateur Radio Training and Testing

Lakeside Administration Building-

Members of the Communications Volunteer Group offered instruction and testing to a group of fifteen at the Lakeside Administration Building on July 27, 2013. The Communications Volunteer Group is a joint venture between the Lakeside Fire Protection District and the Lakeside Amateur Radio Club. These volunteers are trained to work with the district to provide communications under varying conditions. They maintain a base station located on district property, and hold weekly nets.

Mike Maston, N6OPH (Lakeside Amateur Radio Club) provides instruction prior to testing.

The group of fifteen students represented a very diverse group of "future ham radio operators." From  Lakeside Fire Board members, to a Fire Engineer, Logistic Volunteers and CERT team members, to interested citizens, the group will increase the number of local hams that can communicate in times of disaster.

Future Ham Radio Operators

After an all day class where students are introduced to operating procedures and basic radio theory, the group will be administered a 35-question test. Upon completion of that test, the information is forwarded to the FCC where they will be issued Technician Class licenses. This license will allow these new hams to utilize frequencies most commonly utilized in disasters.

The Lakeside Fire Protection District congratulates these new amateur radio operators.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District