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What is the Suffolk County, Long Island, New York
  Amateur Radio Emergency Services?

The Organization

Suffolk County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (SC LI ARES) is the umbrella organization that supports and coordinates all mutual aid communications supplied by amateur radio (ham) operators within Suffolk County, LI, New York. 

SC ARES is comprised of radio operators that have pre-registered with the American Radio Relay League's (ARRL) New York City / Long Island Section (NLI) Suffolk County Division of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (A.R.E.S.); The Suffolk County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (R.A.C.E.S.) which is part of the Suffolk County Emergency Management Office operated under the Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (F.R.E.S.).

ARES assists the local communities by facilitating the interface between ARES and RACES, and acting as a liaison to county government and other agencies within our jurisdictions. We recognize the autonomy of each town jurisdiction and create an atmosphere of mutual cooperation.

Our operational area is Suffolk County New York, an area east of New York City on Long Island. The county consists of ten towns. Each town is autonomous by virtue of "home town rule", where each town is responsible for its own affairs. Each town deals with ham radio volunteers differently. Each town has its own ARES / RACES volunteer groups. We observe the "dual hat" concept where ARES and RACES are often the same volunteers.

The leader of each Division is the ARES Emergency Coordinator (EC), who may also be the RACES Radio Officer (RO) for that town. All EC's report to the District Emergency Coordinator David Wagner KC2RCE who reports to the Section Emergency Coordinator KC2BZB. RO's also report to the Deputy Radio Officer Bill Fastenau WB2QGZ. Members from ARES are also encouraged to join RACES. 

Each town is indicated as a "division" number, and is compliance with the standard used by the Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services communications system. The underlined Towns have their own web sites.

The Services

We provide services to several agencies depending on the severity and nature of the need. Our primary mission is to provide emergency and logistical communications to charitable organizations and emergency management officials as so needed. We specialize in being able to communicate in different modes and environments, bringing a well training communications resource to those served.

To see a more detailed listing of these agencies go to the links page.

Many underestimate the capabilities of ARES and are surprised to see how diverse we can be. Almost any operating mode in almost any environment can be accommodated with the assistance of RACES. We provide a seamless communications resource, where there are no boundaries within the county. If your non-profit or governmental agency can be assisted by well trained communicators, you need to talk to us !