Within each ARRL section, the main outlet for emergency communications needs within the field organization is the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES). ARES consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.
ARES Membership
Click here to apply for Western Massachusetts ARES membership.
Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization, is eligible to apply for membership in ARES. Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES. Please inquire at the local level for specific information. Because ARES is an Amateur Radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.
Areas / Maps
Organization
Section Emergency Coordinator
The section’s Section Emergency Coordinator is the main coordinator of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service within the Western Massachusetts section.
The Western Massachusetts Section Emergency Coordinator is Charles Chandler WS1L.
Assistant Section Emergency Coordinators
The SEC is assisted by several Assistant Section Emergency Coordinators. The ASECs take on special tasks and assignments, and generally assist in various local areas throughout the section.
District Emergency Coordinators
The section is further divided into districts, and each district is divided into local areas. Each district has a District Emergency Coordinator to coordinate ARES within the region, specifically leading up regional nets and training opportunities.
Emergency Coordinators
Each local area has an Emergency Coordinator to coordinate ARES on the local level, and is the primary point person interacting with local served agencies within the local area.
Official Emergency Stations
At any level within the ARES organization, Official Emergency Stations may be appointed. The OES appointee must be an ARRL member and set high standards of emergency preparedness and operating. The OES appointee makes a deeper commitment to the ARES program in terms of functionality than does the rank-and-file ARES registrant. The OES appointee is appointed to carry out specific functions and assignments designated by the appropriate EC or DEC. The OES appointee and the presiding EC or DEC, at the time of the OES appointment, will mutually develop a detailed, operational function/assignment and commitment for the new appointee. Together, they will develop a responsibility plan for the individual OES appointee that makes the best use of the individual’s skills and abilities.