http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/022010/02232010/529143/printer_friendly

When an emergency such as the recent snowstorm hits Stafford County, the expected departments snap into action: Fire and Rescue, the Sheriff's Office, county administration. On the unexpected side is the Stafford County Volunteer Emergency Communications team.

Curt Bartholomew and 26 of his fellow amateur radio operators worked in shifts for two days earlier this month, helping the county in any way they could.

"These guys come out of the woodwork when there's an emergency," Bartholomew said. "I like to be available when the people of the county need us. They generally don't know they need us. We're always in the shadows."

More accurately, they are always on the airwaves.

In any emergency situation, communication is key. Bartholomew and his fellow "hams" are experts in communication, and can provide a network for transmitting information if the county's own communication infrastructure fails.

Because of that expertise, the emergency communications team has a seat at the table when it comes to planning for an emergency. The group even has its own communications room in the Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building, built specifically for its needs. From there, it can support fire, rescue, law enforcement, human services and even the county's 911 call center.

Although the county's communication system has held up during the record snowfall this winter, the hams are still a valuable resource willing to help in any way possible.

Bartholomew estimates there are about 300 amateur radio operators in the county, and they can all provide useful information during an emergency. For instance, local hams provided official snowfall accumulations to county officials during the storm. Those figures were passed on to the National Weather Service.

If residents are stranded at home without power, a member of the amateur radio crew with a four-wheel-drive vehicle can take them supplies or transport them to a shelter.

With their willingness to help and access to local information, Stafford's hams are an important resource during difficult times.

"I'm really proud of the team," Bartholomew said. "We've come a long way in this county. We only had about five people in the late '90s."

He also credits the county staff for its professionalism and willingness to incorporate volunteers.

"It's more tiring than my day job," Bartholomew said, "but you feel good after you're done."

Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Email: jbeals@freelancestar.com