The key word here is EMERGENCY! An emergency is defined as a sudden, unexpected occurrence of a serious nature that demands immediate action. The news media floods us with information of toxic spills, earthquakes, forest fires, searches for lost persons, etc., on a daily basis. Often times these situations are reported by private radio operators, thereby insuring quick emergency response, in many cases preserving life and property. Seldom do emergencies happen at convenient times and places. When they do, it is sometimes in areas where normal police or fire communications are not sufficient. At times like these there is a group of dedicated civilians that come to their aid by providing a communications network that has proved itself over and over again. San Bernardino County RACES, a division of the California Office of Emergency Services (OES), has been assisting the public for many years in emergencies and they keep their radio skills sharp by providing communications for civil and charitable events such as parades, bicycle and marathon races and many other worthwhile events. These events are sanctioned by San Bernardino County as training activities and are provided to the various event sponsors at no cost.

Radio Communications

These amateur operators, or HAMS, as they like to be called, are organized, trained, directed, and approved by the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency sevices. Their sole mission is to provide supplemental communications that would free up the Public Safety radio system and to coordinate local response to emergencies.

Community Service

These citizen volunteers serve their community not only with their time, but provide their own radio and other equipment at no cost to the county, state, or federal agencies with which they work. Truly these dedicated individuals are an invaluable asset to their community. If you would like to participate in this kind of service to your community, and are an amateur radio operator (or willing to learn) the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services would like to talk to you.

RACES is looking for serious men and women that are proud of their community, are supportive of our local government agencies, work well in team efforts, and are at least 21 years of age. An Amateur Radio License or an understanding of the FCC rules and regulations for radio operation would be very helpful. Experience in a REACT organization would also be an asset.

To get further information about this exciting organization, please contact:

The County of San Bernardino

Office of Emergency Services

1743 Mire Way Rialto, CA 92376

(909) 356-3998