By Sarah Stephens, Elmore Autauga News
At the Prattville City Council meeting held on Tuesday, Mayor Bill Gillespie invited Autauga County EMA Director David Bagley to step forward. Mr. Bagley addressed the council, sharing that he recently had the honor of attending a proclamation signing event with Gov. Kay Ivey.
The proclamation Mr. Bagley referred to acknowledged amateur radio operators and designated an awareness week in their honor.
“This is an unsung group of individuals,” Bagley stated. “They are there for us when the world is on fire. I had the privilege many years ago when I was in Texas to see them in operation when we had no other means of communication. This was back before Starlink. You had runners and you had Ham radio.”
Upon his arrival in Autauga County, Bagley sought ways to integrate emergency radio operators more effectively. “I was very lucky to see a robust group here. We have made great strides in this area. We now have a repeater that helps with other areas, like Montgomery and other areas locally. The ability to have them not only send radio messages, but documents…when I send a request I do not just have to have a piece of paper on a Fax machine. They can actually send that paper for me now to the state operations center.”
Bagley expressed his anticipation for further integrating the radio operators into the Emergency Operations Center in the future.
“This year, the field day will once again be held here in Prattville,” he announced.
Chris Hall, an amateur radio operator, also spoke to the council. He highlighted that the operators volunteer their time and typically use their own equipment.
“The Amateur Radio River Region Field Day this year will be at the Louise M. Smith Development Center on J Street June 28-29. Montgomery and Elmore counties recognize the value of that facility as well and will be attending. We appreciate the Smith Center. It is a great facility.” Hall noted that the Field Day has been hosted at this location for several years.
Following the addresses, the mayor read a proclamation acknowledging the over 13,500 licensed amateur radio operators across the state, many of whom reside and work within the City of Prattville. He emphasized that their training and exercises are crucial for maintaining communications, including coordination with the National Weather Service during severe weather and other emergencies. The proclamation recognized June 23-29 as Amateur Radio Week.
