Amateur Radio – Emergency Communications
Since it was founded in 1935, Ham Operators who are part of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service®(ARES®) have provided emergency communications, training, infrastructure, and support for their communities. In 1952 the American Radio Relay League and the Department of the Army’s Office of Civil Defense established RACES to support auxiliary government communications. The St. Charles Emergency Communications Association supports the goals of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.
President – Bill Moss, KE0RXS
Vice President – Mark Hall, AE0ME
Secretary/Treasurer – Jeff Young, KB3HF
Director – Ken Humbertson, W0KAH
Director – Wayne Garrison, KB0BZR
Past President Director – Wayne Ault, WD6EZQ
WØECA
The Emergency Communications Association of St. Charles County (ECA) was formed in May of 1998 as a Missouri Not for Profit Corporation. Our organization mission is “Dedicated to providing alternative communication systems and skilled personnel to assist in protecting life and property from loss during man-made or natural disasters and emergencies.”
After establishing ECA, the group entered into a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with St. Charles County Government to provide trained communication volunteers to support the St. Charles County Emergency Management Agency during disasters, emergencies, training, and testing exercises. This MOU has been in existence for over 20 years as our support continues for Emergency Management in St. Charles County.
ECA has been granted Missouri Tax Exempt status and IRS Tax Exempt status under 501 (c) (3). Donations to ECA are tax deductible.
ECA holds monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month in the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at 1400 T.R. Hughes Blvd. in O’Fallon, MO at 7:00 P.M. ECA also conducts a weekly communications net on Mondays at 8:00 P.M. using the 145.490- 141.3 Hz repeater. All amateur radio operators are welcome.
ECA conducts the St. Charles County SKYWARN® Weather Spotting Net whenever there is a National Weather Service (NWS) severe weather warning for the county. The Traveler’s Assistance Net is opened during an NWS Winter Weather Warning for the county. Information for these nets are listed on the Repeaters and Nets page of this website.
ECA is funding arm for the St. Charles County Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) group which is an American Radio Relay League (ARRL) sponsored national emergency communications program. There is no cost to belong to ARES but membership in ECA is encouraged in order for the member to be covered under the MOU and to help fund the activities of both groups.
If you are interested in joining the Emergency Communications Association, fill out a membership application and come to one of the monthly meetings. ECA dues are $15.00 per year. All amateur radio operators are welcome. Join us!
Emergency Communications Association of St. Charles County 