The CSV Team will be participating in the annual ARRL Field Day, an international 24-hour amateur radio emergency communication drill where radio operators communicate from locations “in the field,” using emergency power sources for the entire event, and using a variety of radio communication modes, including HF, VHF, digital and satellite communications.  During the event, radio contacts will be made with stations in other states and countries.

The public is welcome to the event, which will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 23rd.  A special radio station will be available for anyone interested to “try” amateur radio.

The Police Department’s CSV Team was created in 1994; made up of volunteers interested in supporting Corona’s emergency services through the contribution of their time and their interest in amateur radio and emergency preparedness.  Each volunteer is accepted only after completion of a department review and background check process.

On call 24 hours a day, members of the CSV Team operate radios in the City’s Emergency Operations Center, and provide radio and television communications between the Corona EOC, the Riverside County EOC and other locations.  In addition, the CSV Team staffs the city’s Mobile Command Vehicle as needed, and in emergencies, provides communications links between CERT members, the City’s hospitals, the school district and the Corona EOC.

The volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds; some technical, some not; but all with a common goal of making sure that Corona has the best emergency communications preparedness possible.

While all CSVs are licensed amateur radio operators, some members obtained their radio licenses after learning about the group; the CSV Team holds 2-day FCC license training classes from time to time, for people interested in either amateur radio or in public service with the CSV Team or other community emergency preparedness groups.

When there are not any emergencies to respond to, the Communications Specialist Volunteers train themselves to increase their skills and preparation, and provides support to activities such as the Corona Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team training seminars, the Corona Police Department’s participation in the annual Baker To Vegas Challenge Cup Relay race, or public events such as Public Safety Day.

If you have the opportunity, come out and visit the CSV Team at Jameson Park [MAP] on Saturday, June 23, 2012!