JC-WC ARES® in cooperation with the Volunteer Fire Service in Washington County, developed a program to install vhf/uhf base station radios in seven county Fire Stations.
These stations are funded by the Washington County Board of Commissioners to enhance emergency communications during communications infrastructure failures due to man made or natural disasters.
This program uses the “Closest Operator” concept. A trained ARES® communicator will be deployed to a Fire Station Radio by proper authority. Operators are trained in the Incident Command System and National Incident Management System protocols to insure proper communications and command structure compliance.
In Phase I, Amateur Radio equipment will be installed at the following stations: Jonesborough, Fall Branch, Sulphur Springs, Gray, Embreeville, Nolichucky and Limestone starting in 2019.
Phase II plans involve the addition of equipment at the County EOC and 911 Communications Center.
Phase III plans incorporate the Washington County-Johnson City EMS agency and is under concept development for integration into the program.
This program will serve all county agencies during emergencies providing another layer of communications infrastructure. Our elected leaders support is greatly appreciated.
Specific in service training will commence in 2019.