HomeMy WebLinkAbout062016_Press Release - Field Day 2016FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2016
City of Renton Contacts:
Mindi Mattson, Emergency Management Coordinator, 425-430-7041
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
Amateur Radio Operators Test Emergency Communications in 24-Hour Event
Renton, WA – Renton Emergency Communication Services (RECS), a group of amateur (ham) radio
operators, will join thousands of other operators around the country in a test of their emergency
communication capabilities in a 24-hour field day event.
The exercise will begin on Saturday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m. and end on Sunday, June 26, at 2:00 p.m.
RECS will work out of Fire Station 16, 12923 156th Ave SE in Renton. The event is free and open to the
public on Saturday, June 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tours of the mobile communications response
vehicle, which provides a mobile hotspot for emergency communications, will be available.
This national event is part of the annual American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day Test. The test
provides a great opportunity to learn about amateur radio and their role in emergency communications.
As part of the drill, ham radio operators will use emergency or alternate power sources to simulate
working under emergency conditions. Last year, more than 35,000 amateur radio operators across the
country participated.
For more information on how you can become an amateur radio operator or join RECS, visit their
website or contact the City of Renton Fire & Emergency Services Department at 425-430-7000.
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About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington with a
population just over 100,000. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and
favorable business climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that
are looking to provide employees and their families with an outstanding quality of life. It is the
home of Boeing, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks, and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More
information can be found at rentonwa.gov.
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