Iowa's Globe Gazette salutes ham operators

When there's an emergency, a lot of groups go into action. Volunteer and professional, it's reassuring to know they're available when needed.

Here's a salute to a group you don't hear much about but is always on call — ham radio operators.

Mostly, they use their radio skills to communicate with each other for fun and information; some mighty famous people are involved in the hobby.

But in time of disasters, when phone lines are down and other communications are impossible, ham radio operators stand at the ready.

"There's no doubting the importance of being able to communicate when other methods — including county emergency equipment — fails", says Steve O'Neil, Cerro Gordo and Franklin County emergency management coordinator and homeland security director.

"That makes their service invaluable — and we thank them for being there when all else fails".

Reproduced from the Iowa Globe Gazette

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