New local Emergency Communication Group

A new emergency communication (EMCOMM) group has been formed to serve the needs of Rappahannock, Culpeper, Orange and Madison counties.

Amateur radio operators in the area have joined forces to form R3EMCOMM (RappahannockRapidan Regional Emergency Communication) to assist in the event of an emergency “when all else fails.”

Often known as ham radio operators, the group is aligned with Virginia Amateur Radio Emergency Services or VA ARES, says Andy Miles, the Emergency Coordinator for Culpeper County.

Ham radio operators communicate by radio frequency, using radios, antennas, and a variety of analog and digital means. You will see ham radio operators on the top of mountains (Summits on the Air), at National Parks (Parks on the Air), and in your own neighborhood (look for those tall towers in the backyards, or long wire antennas).

Program Directors elected at the April meeting and include Mike Murphy KD7PUF (Administration), Mike Lussier AE4ML (Training and Logistics), Pip Oates KN4WOH (Public Affairs), Mike Moore K4MVM (Operations and Planning), and Chuck Richards N4CTR (Safety).

Richards feels that his involvement in the group will be a direct benefit to the community where he lives, and invites all interested community members, with or without a ham radio license, to join the group.

“When the phones and internet don’t work, due to a natural disaster or other cause, ham radio operators will be there and on the air,” said Moore.

For more information about R3EMCOMM, email them at r3emcomm@gmail.com or join them every Wednesday on the air at 8 p.m. at 147.030 + PL 79.7 Transmit Only.