In an effort to maintain emergency communication capability in the Snohomish County area when funding is limited, the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management turned to the Snohomish County Auxiliary Communications Svc volunteer team for help.
News release – April 19, 2016
Contact: Scott Honaker – Radio Officer
Office: 425- 330-5439
Email: scott.honaker@snoco.org
Volunteers save taxpayer dollars and build capability, Everett, WA.
In an effort to maintain emergency communication capability in the Snohomish County area in a time when funding is limited, the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) turned to the Snohomish County Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) volunteer team for help.
Snohomish County DEM provides radio and communication support to a variety of agencies through specialized vehicles that have the ability to make connections when normal systems cannot. The mobile communication equipment and volunteers support efforts by search and rescue, law enforcement, fire, jurisdictions, county departments, and a variety of government agencies 24/7 when an emergency occurs.
After sixteen years of service the previous communications vehicle was said to be the oldest in the county fleet and in need of replacement. A new vehicle "DEM 10" was designed but initial bids placed the cost of just the vehicle at $146,000 not including the communication equipment. The ACS team put their skills, expertise, and passion to work and through dedication and long hours the volunteers were able to build out the entire vehicle including customized equipment for just over $75,000, saving taxpayers thousands of federal grant dollars.
"This team is incredibly cooperative, can find a solution to most any problem, and is amazing to watch," offers Scott Honaker, Radio Officer, Snohomish County DEM.
The ACS team is made up of volunteers who come from all backgrounds, some are retired, some are not, but they all have a desire to use their skills to make a difference in the community. DEM is actively recruiting ACS volunteers to assist during emergencies and disasters. For detailed information about the program and how to get involved please visit the team site at http://www.WA7DEM.info
"This project highlights the value of community volunteers assisting emergency management to make the most of limited grant funds for regional benefit," said Jason Biermann, Interim Director, Snohomish County DEM.