Amateurs Collaborate to Give Gift of Radios

Late in the Year 2006:  An identified need of the island of Dominica was for working communications in government.  FAIRS would call on Dave's friend Henry (from ProComm in Blacksburg) to help.

Henry Henderson KD4ZB and his associate Bob Bruch WB8BON "were glad to be able to work with FAIRS (www.fairs.org) and help with the effort in Dominica".  The two are largely responsible for securing radios which would be rugged and be durable despite much use.  Then they installed new batteries, upgraded the antennas, programmed the radios according to the Telecommunications Plan information, and ran a series of tests to ensure their usefulness.  New chargers were matched with each radio. They helped to ensure that a fine group of portable radios was able to be given where they were needed, on this island in the Eastern Caribbean.

February 2007: A trip was made by FAIRS to Dominica-- with a primary purpose of enhancing emergency communications on the island.  Henry KD4ZB hoped to be a part of the delegation, but had difficulty getting away. "Finding time is the hard part."  Henry may be part of a team to go in the future, perhaps to do some installation needed by DARCI, Dominica Amateur Radio Club, Inc., or the police force.

Still, the gift of 24 portable radios --Motorola HT600s and Ritron Patriots, plus chargers, assembled with the help of KD4ZB & WB8BON-- for the police force of the Commonwealth of Dominica was a major portion of the help that was given.  According to officials, the 24 radios doubled their current working supply.  They were accepted by Commissioner Matthias D. Lestrade, and he mentioned how they were “much needed”, and had come at an opportune time! They would be immediately utilized in the policing of their Carnivale Celebrations (akin to the U.S. Mardi Gras) and during visits from foreign diplomats.

FAIRS made the official gift as part of the Police Training School Graduation in Morne Bruce, and David Larsen, director, was able to say a few words of inspiration to the recruits.  

       

                  

This is a wonderful example of using the unique abilities of hams in a collaborative effort to make a difference.  To others involved in the funding, assembling, packing and transport of these radios, Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force says "Thank You"!

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