RST provides a dedicated Liaison for coordinating Amateur Radio Support to any entity that is hosting a public service or charitable event.

Cary Fishman WB2BSJ, is the RST Public Service Liaison and has, over the years, collected a readily available pool of Amateur Radio Operators that are willing and skilled in this niche of Amateur Radio Support for Public Service/Charitable events.

If you as an Amateur Radio Operator are interested in supporting a Public Service/Charitable Event or you are interested in having Amateur Radio Communications support at your event, then feel free to contact Mr. Fishman.

Public Service is an important part of the Amateur Radio Service as directed by the FCC. As a Special Service Club, the Radio Society of Tucson is dedicated to proving Public Service to Greater Tucson and Southern Arizona. Amateur Radio participation in support of PS events primarily consists of establishing radio nets to provide assistance for the welfare of the participants. A typical bike race or walk-a-thon would have radio operators stationed at various locations along the course to report shortages of water or food, and to arrange for transportation for participants who are injured or otherwise unable to complete the event. Radio contact is established with EMT's and law enforcement as necessary.
Before I moved to Tucson in 1995 I was active with PS in New Jersey, supporting National Multiple Sclerosis, Juvenile Diabetes and other charity events. The most challenging event was the annual "Coast the Coast," a 2 day bike race which followed the Atlantic Ocean starting at Sandy Hook State Park (across the bay form Brooklyn) and ended at the Cape May Coast Guard Station at the southern tip of NJ. It was a lot of work but also a lot of fun.
As a member of RST I have been pleased to be a part of the group of operators who use their radios to support such local events as:

• The Pioneer Equestrian Event
  • This event is held at the Empire Ranch in Sonita, AZ. The job of of the communicators is to ensure the safety of the riders. The riders check in with the radio operators at each check point. The operators relay the time and rider number to net control. It is a fun event and the operators typically camp on the ranch for the weekend. Operators can also drive out to the ranch for the day. The operators typically work 2-4 hour shifts. Operators generally need mobile radios to work this event

• 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo
  • A mountain Bike race event in the desert just north of Oracle, AZ at the Willow Springs Ranch. It is a high endurance event in a place that getting emergency help to is challenging. The operators provide communications to aid in the safety and welfare of the riders. Operators can either camp at the ranch or come out for the day. Operators generally need mobile radios to work this event.

• El Tour de Tucson
  • This event is probably the biggest event in Tucson needing over 40 operators and Net Controls. The event covers a 120 mile bike race loop around Tucson. The operators provide communications and emergency support for the riders. Operators are positions at various aid stations and check points around the course. The net is large enough that the net is broken up into sectors. The operators use a combination of mobile and handhelds. This even takes place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year. Sector chiefs are on the road making sure that all is well on the route, a sweep vehicle is following the last rider, and ham radio net controllers are operating from the Pima County PECOC building, where they are co-located with law enforcement officials.

RST is an IRS 501(c)(3) recognized organization. Make your tax-deductable donation today!