In a showcase of emergency preparedness and radio proficiency, Hillsborough County's Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) team secured impressive standings during the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) 24-hour Field Day exercise. Not only did they clinch third place nationally, but they also took home the first-place honor for the entire state of Florida, according to a release posted on the county's newsroom.
This yearly exercise, critical for emergency communications, tested the skills of operators who might one day be tasked with providing the backup comms in the dire situation where mainstream systems have faltered. FEMA-sponsored RACES is uniquely positioned for such scenarios, with registered amateur radio operators authorized to use certain frequencies during national emergencies, like those enacted under the War Emergency Powers Act.
The county's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) station, which operated under the designation 1F class, distinguished themselves on the national stage out of EOC stations, where "F" signifies an EOC with the number indicating the quantity of active radios. Throughout the taxing 24-hour period, the Hillsborough County's team managed their communications with a single radio. On another front, the County's backup station, positioned in Kings Point and running entirely on solar power, placed 12th nationally and second in state while competing in the 2F class, as per the same press release.
ARRL Field Day is not merely a competition but a vital drill for over 4,373 station entries, with 249 in the EOC "F" class alone. These operators collectively made more than 1.2 million radio contacts across America during this span, a testament to the commitment and readiness of the amateur radio community. For those interested in the workings and achievements of the County's emergency communication efforts, further information can be sourced via the Office of Emergency Management at (813) 272-6600, as noted by county officials.
