Our History: RACES
The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) has been in Harford County for at least two decades. In the past few years we have become an integral part of the Harford County Emergency Communication plans. In January 2005 Steve Uhrig, WA3SWS was appointed the county RACES Officer by the County Executive. Steve Uhrig is founder and President of SWS Security, holds an Advanced Class license and brings decades of professional and Amateur Radio experience. Steve Uhrig has done amazing work to invigorate Harford County RACES. For the first time ever, Harford County is active in the monthly statewide RACES exercises. He continues to assist in Emergency Communicator recruitment, training and infrastructure planning. Steve operates daily on the Maryland Emergency Phone Net and Baltimore Traffic Net
A year later in January 2006 Pat Scolla, WB0EGR was appointed Harford County RACES Officer. Pat has a PhD in chemistry and works as a Research Analyst for Battelle at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (APG). Pat holds an Amateur Extra license and has done tireless work at re-establishing Amateur Radio EmComm. He has established an Amateur Radio "Memorandum of Understanding" with several organizations including the MS Society, March of Dimes and the local health care systems. Pat is currently the trustee and licensee of the 146.775 and 449.775 repeaters located at the Harford County Emergency Operations Center in Forest Hill, MD.
In addition to the repeater systems at the EOC, there is a permanent RACES station on Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (APG). This station can cover all HF, VHF and UHF bands. The APG appointed RACES officer is John Glassman, N3OR. John is very active with digital (packet) communications and interfaces regularly with the Maryland Emergency Phone Net and Baltimore Traffic Net.
Our History: ARES
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) has also been in the county for many years, and only recently become active. The ARRL-appointed Harford County Emergency Coordinator (EC) is Pat Scolla, WB0EGR. Active recruitment and training of ARES members was started in late 2003, with significant milestones reached by mid-2004. In October 2004 Harford County ARES participated in the ARRL Simulated Emergency Test, for the very first time! We are active year-round with training exercises, various public service activities and ARRL Field Day.
RACES and ARES Teamwork
Although RACES and ARES are maintained as separate entities in Harford County, there is total cooperation between the organizations. RACES and ARES work and operate integrally to plan and execute recruitment, training exercises and infrastructure improvements. We maintain a superb reputation both on the operational and administrative side, as well as the technical side with the county EOC emergency planners.
Past Events & Public Service Activities
Click here to view our photo album of past events and activities!