Los Angeles County Disaster Communications Service Lomita Station – District 17 & South Los Angeles Station – District 3
HOW TO JOIN All licensed Amateur Radio operators are invited to join the LA County Disaster Communications Service (DCS). Check out our brochure and see if DCS is for you!
The DCS New Member Application Process has been streamlined from years past to encourage increased membership while still maintaining thoroughness.
Download and fill out the DCS Application Package.  Read the LA County Policy of Equality, part 1 and part 2.  Print it and sign all of the forms in the DCS Application Package.  Get a passport style digital photo.  Photocopy your driver's license and amateur license. Once you have assembled the package, contact us at Lomita DCS.  Your application will be reviewed by the DCO and the DCO will assist you in completing the Live Scan.  Make sure the Live Scan operator at the Lomita Station uses the DCS Live Scan form in the DCS Application Package.  The DCO will submit the entire package to Staff 1.   Upon the return of the Live Scan results and satisfactory background check, you will be issued an 800 series temporary unit ID and ID card. With a temporary ID you can support in station activities while escorted, but not deployments.
Log on to the FEMA  web site and complete courses ICS 100 and ICS 700.   IS-100.b - Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100 IS-700.a - National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction As you complete each course download and forward your Certificate of Completion to the DCO.   You must complete an in-person 3-hour Volunteer Orientation and Basic Training course offered multiple times throughout the year. Once you have attended the Basic Training and confirmed completion of ICS 100 and ICS 700, you will be issued your regular photo ID Card.  You may then purchase your DCS uniform and participate as a full member of DCS. Additionally, members are encouraged to complete ICS 200 and ICS 800 in order to supervise other DCS members.   IS-200.b - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents IS-800.b - National Response Framework, An Introduction
If you are not presently licensed the Walt Ordway offers classes several times a year at Hess Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. Morse code is no longer required.  You can also study on your own and take the license exam.  Exams are given by Volunteer Examiners the last Saturday of every month at the W6TRW Swap Meet.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Lomita DCS.