Town Seeks Amateur Radio Users for Emergencies

Arlington officials are seeking amateur radio operators willing to help the town with emergency response.

In a statement, officials said they're looking for licensed ham radio operators to become volunteers and help out in case the town's communications systems stop working during an emergency.

Chief Robert Jefferson told the Boston Globe it would take an "extreme scenario" for the town to resort to using amateur radio.

“You never know,” Jefferson told the Globe.

Arlington used a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to buy a ham radio for emergencies, the paper reported. Jefferson said the town wants someone to take a course to learn about the radios.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Chief Jefferson at rjefferson@town.arlington.ma.us.