The Hamilton County Emergency Management (HCEM) Communications Group (Comms Group) is seeking individuals interested in volunteering to support emergency communications during incidents, severe weather events, and planned operations.
Reliable communication is a critical component of emergency response. The HCEM Communications Group provides auxiliary and backup radio communications when traditional systems are unavailable, overloaded, or require additional support.
Overview
As part of the onboarding process, selected participants will take part in a structured 10-week training program. This program includes preparation for the FCC Technician Class Amateur Radio license, along with instruction on the use of communications within HCEM operations.
The course follows the ARRL Technician curriculum to ensure participants are prepared for the licensing exam, while also incorporating HCEM-specific context, expectations, and real-world applications.
This program is intended for individuals who are interested in actively participating in Hamilton County Emergency Management Communications.
Program Details
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
- Start Date: September 8
- End Date: November 10
- Location: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office on Cumberland Road
- Exam: FCC Technician Class license exam administered at the conclusion
Participants in this program are expected to:
- Obtain the ARRL Technician License Manual, 6th edition, prior to the start of the course.
- Please ensure you have the correct version that covers the question pool from 2026 to 2030.
- Books will be available online from ARRL, Amazon, and other sources on June 1.
- Complete FEMA ICS 100, ICS 200, and ICS 700 online courses prior to or during the program
- Actively participate in class sessions and discussions
- Have a genuine interest in supporting HCEM communications
- Complete an HCEM volunteer application
- Successfully pass a background check
- Participate in an interview with Comms Group Leadership
- Participate in HCEM communications activities, including nets, trainings, and activations as available
- Follow HCEM policies, procedures, and operational guidelines
- Be at least 18 years old
Program Structure:
The course will follow the ARRL Technician manual structure, with instruction delivered weekly and reinforced through discussion and practice questions. HCEM applications will be incorporated throughout to connect material to real-world use.
Weekly Schedule:
Week 1 — September 8 in HHW Classroom
- Orientation and HCEM Overview
- Introduction to HCEM
- Role of the Communications Group
- How amateur radio is used during incidents and activations
- HCEM volunteer expectations and pathway, including application and background check
- Program structure and participation requirements
- Overview of the FCC Technician license
- Required materials and recommended study tools
Week 2 — September 15 in Training Room 1
- ARRL Chapter 1: Introduction to Amateur Radio
- Basic concepts of amateur radio
- Licensing structure and privileges
- Frequency bands overview
Week 3 — September 22 in Training Room 1
- ARRL Chapter 2: Radio and Signals Fundamentals
- Frequency, wavelength, and modulation
- Signal behavior and propagation basics
Week 4 — September 29 in Training Room 1
- ARRL Chapter 3: Electricity, Components, and Circuits Part 1
- Voltage, current, resistance
- Basic electrical principles
Week 5 — October 6 in Training Room 1
- ARRL Chapter 3 Part 2 and Chapter 4 Introduction
- Continued circuit concepts
- Introduction to practical electronics
Week 6 — October 13 in HHW Classroom
- ARRL Chapter 4: Practical Electronics and Equipment
- Radio equipment basics
- Power sources and connectors
- Basic troubleshooting concepts
Week 7 — October 20 in Training Room 1
- ARRL Chapter 5: Antennas and Feedlines
- Antenna types and performance
- Feedlines and SWR fundamentals
- Practical considerations for field deployment
Week 8 — October 27 in Training Room 1
- ARRL Chapter 6: Operating Procedures
- Proper radio operation
- Net structure and participation
- Phonetics and communication clarity
- Introduction to directed nets and message handling
Week 9 — November 3 in Training Room 1
- ARRL Chapter 7: Rules and Regulations
- FCC rules and responsibilities
- Licensing requirements and privileges
- Operating within regulations
Week 10 — November 10 in HHW Classroom
- Final Review and Exam Session
- Review of key concepts
- Question and answer session
- Administration of the FCC Technician Class exam
- Next steps for HCEM involvement
Program Outcome
- At the conclusion of the program, participants will:
- Be prepared to pass the FCC Technician Class license exam
- Understand the fundamentals of amateur radio operation
- Have awareness of how communications support HCEM operations
- Be positioned to participate in Hamilton County Emergency Management Communications activities
For more information, please contact Joe.March@HamiltonCounty.in.gov.
