ACS OPPORTUNITIES
for those interested in emergency communications and public service

This describes the program and opportunities at the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) headquarters and the three administrative regions. Primary goals of the program are as follows:

  1. Provide state OES with a primary redundant unit in support of all its emergency communications needs including field response and emergency operations centers.
  2. Provide a model plan for use by local governments that meets the requirements of the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) legislation; and
  3. Develop aids in maintenance of volunteer emergency communications units for local government.
  4. Develop and maintain a resource directory of all volunteer emergency communications units in the state.
  5. Provide continuing effective liaison to the volunteer emergency communications units in the state.

ACS personnel, when trained can be involved with the OES equipment, networks and systems, operations, testing, programming, special projects, EOC (emergency operations center) and field support including

                       

Middle image is of the OES Headquarters Amateur Radio Tower. Drag mouse over image to see Public Safety Tower

Other activities and systems that registrants in the state OES ACS program may participate in include

CESRS - California Emergency Services Radio System - a statewide microwave linked dial-up VHF Repeater system for use by County OES/EM staff.

CLERS - California Law Enforcement Radio System - a statewide microwave linked VHF/UHF system to all (local, county, state and federal) law enforcement agencies in the state.

California Fire Net - A statewide microwave linked system for county and state fire agencies.

FNARS - FEMA NAtional Radio System - A High Frequency (HF) radio system connecting most Federal public safety agencies and US military with most of the states.

SHARES - A HF radio system employed by most Federal public safety agencies and US military with most states included with periodic national exercises.

NSEP - National Security Emergency Preparedness network for telephone EOC's; with a weekly NSEP HF radio net in which OES can participate.

STACOM - STAte COMmunication radio system.  A HF radio system for state, county and others agencies including SBC, NASA and USGS.

FEMA HF 2500 watt Radio that operates on SHARES frequencies.

Other systems such as in-agency video, conference, telephone and others

ACS participants can be in the ACS CommCenter on any given day year round. Some have a regular day that they come into a facility for operational nets, on-going training, work and special projects, equipment upgrades and repairs; almost any thing they have an interest in there may be a time and place to satisfy that interest and determination to participat

General program aspects:

The length of time curremt participants have been in the program ranges from months to decades. Some are retired while others have full time jobs. In some cases both husband and wife are actively involved with the program.

Skills and experiences of the participants range widely, from by-the-hour jobs in industry to responsible positions in government and private industry including administrative, executive, managment, operations, and as CEO. Work experience includes the public switched telephone network, computer networks, microwave and Commercial and Amateur radio operations and equipment. The majority hold FCC Amateur Radio licenses; a few have pilot licenses or commercial truck driver licenses. They have literally donated thousands of hours in preparation, planning, training and response critical to OES activities.

What is it that leads to such volunteer interest and involvement? They all share a love of emergency communications; it's "in their blood" in a manner of speaking. Perhaps it is what they become as a result of the opportunity; or perhaps it is the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment; or possibly the continued use of talents and skills beyond career retirement; or to develop and maintain an important emergency communications program of proven worth. Their activities definitely serve as an example to others on the use of emergency communications units.
For  more information, and/or applications to state ACS please contact your Region ACS Officer or the State ACS Officer ( both are listed under Staff or on the respective Region page).