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THURSTON ARES provides a pool of trained amateur radio operators
that support local public service agencies, volunteer groups, and
non-government organizations, with communications at events, exercises, and
during disaster or post-event assistance operations. During certain declared disaster
missions, ARES is a member unit within the Citizen’s Corps under the
guidance of the Department of Homeland Security
RACES is a unit of highly skilled amateur radio
operators within the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue
Council; providing auxiliary communications for government agencies during
searches, and man-made or natural disaster relief operations. RACES is a member unit within the
Federal Emergency Management Agency and
under the guidance of the Department of Homeland Security
There is a three-stage membership application process. This reduces the amount of training time spent at unit level during meetings, etc. This process allows members to complete the classes at their own pace within a set period of time. The first part is for the applicant to fill out designated documents so they can start the process of background checks, etc. Afterwards, the applicant will be signed up as an “ARES” member at this time. The second portion is a “ARES” probation period where the applicant will complete basic skills training and fundamental requirements of ARES to support the local Public Service organizations. All of the information can be found on the web for free. The applicant has 90 days to complete this. After completing this section, the applicant will get signed up as RACES member and have their background completed by officials and a state emergency workers card issued for a 90 day probation period. The “RACES” probation period allows the applicant to read more detailed plans on local, state agencies and Public Service organizations operations and the requirements of ARES in supporting them. This last section gives the applicant time to acquire their ARES/RACES specific equipment to work locally on site during mission. They have 90 days to complete this portion of the 3rd, and last probation period. Upon completing the 3rd portion of the application process, (RACES Probation period) the workers card will be updated and the applicant will be considered a full member of this organization. The two separate probation periods allows the applicant to become familiar with ARES/RACES operations and specific missions supporting the local government and public service organizations at their own pace. If you want to sign up, download and print off copies of the
following pages. Complete the forms and get them back to the ARES/RACES
EC/RO listed below. For the
ARRL ARES application forms please
click here. For the Thurston County ARES/RACES Unit Application, please click here. If you have any questions about the units, participation, equipment requirements, etc, please contact me as soon as possible before continuing with your completion of the application packet. 360-402-9687 E mail anytime at: Tom.Bohon@providence.org Please provide an E-mail address (if available) and telephone number during any correspondence. Again, thank you for you interest in joining the organization. Tom Bohon/KE7EJJ Thurston County ARES/RACES Unit Leader | |||||||
