LCARS Service
Amateur radio operators have responded to local and regional disasters since the 1930s, including the attacks of September 11, 2001 and Hurricane Katrina. Amateur radio provides a means of communication when all others fail; for example, after Katrina Hancock County, Mississippi had lost all contact with the outside world, except through ARES operators who served as 911 dispatchers and message relayers. In fact, the FCC Rules and Regulations (47 U.S.C. §97.1 Basis and purpose.) first words state: The rules and regulations in this Part are designed to provide an amateur radio service having a fundamental purpose as expressed in the following principles:(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
Lake Country Amateur Radio Service is proud of it's members and their associations and service to our local governements and communities, while providing vital services that help protect lives and properties of our neighbors. Our members participate with Emergency Managers, volunteer agencies, and weather forecast offices to provide critical communications support that would not exist without them. When other traditional communications systems fail, these agencies depend upon Amateur Radio operators to provide critical communications support.
The term Amateur in Amateur radio does not connote lack of skill, but is used in the same sense as an Amateur Athlete, as Radio Amateurs are prohibited by law from accepting monetary or material compensation of any kind for any activities they perform as radio operators. Amateur radio opeators have helped develop and enhance many of the modern communictions capabilites that exist, and they come from a variety of backgrounds.
The following agency list provides links to some of the agencies that amateur radio operators are associated with. You are invited to join LCARS members in providing assistance, by learning and using basic skills during times of need. Your membership in LCARS is not required to provide local emergency communications services, you only need the desire to help. We will welcome you with open arms.