The Delaware State Police are teaming up with the Sussex County (Delaware) Amateur Radio Emergency Service to ensure reliable back-up communication, should primary law enforcement communication systems fail.

“Delaware must always be aware of the threats of hurricanes, nor’easters, severe snow, and other disasters,” Delaware State Police Sussex County Operations Officer Maj Robert Hawkins said in a Cape Gazette article. “Thankfully, we don’t get hit often, but when we do, communication is absolutely essential and having Amateur Radio operators available to fill in gaps will be a real asset.”

When back-up communication is needed, the Delaware State Police will designate locations for ARES stations to set up. ARES members then will handle any necessary traffic within this network. The initial program will be limited to Sussex County, but it may be expanded to include Delaware's other two counties, Kent and New Castle.

Sussex County covers approximately the lower half of Delaware. Bill Duveneck, KB3KYH, is the Sussex County ARES Emergency Coordinator. — Cape Gazette via John Bigley, N7UR, Nevada Amateur Radio Newswire