Amateur radio group providing emergency backup for eight decades

PITTSBURGH — After eight decades of providing emergency backup communications on a volunteer basis during some of this region’s worst storms and disasters, members of the Steel City Amateur Radio Club hit the airwaves earlier this month to sing their praises.

The club of about 60 members spent the week taking turns sending messages to other amateur radio operators around the world, sharing the news of their 80-year anniversary.

“We have state of the art radios and antennas at our clubhouse and have a backup generator to provide power if the main electrical grid goes down,” said Bob Mente, 56, emergency coordinator for Allegheny County Amateur Radio Emergency Service.

Amateur radio — also known as ham radio — is a hobby that brings people, electronics and communications together.

Amateur radio operators provide important communications, especially during and after emergencies. Most recently, Steel City operators played a role in transmitting messages that helped weather officials during a severe storm.

Club member Joe Fenn proudly remembers making his biggest contribution to public safety in 1977 when Johnstown experienced a severe flood.

“The local Red Cross woke me out of a sound sleep to help get in touch with someone in Johnstown that they were not able to reach,” he said.

“I put a message out over the radio and hams came out of the woodwork helping to get food and supplies to the right places. I was even relaying medical information between patients and doctors. That was very rewarding.”