About FACS
About
Ferndale’s Auxiliary Communications Service is a group of amateur radio operators who provide communication support to the Ferndale Emergency Operations Center and the Ferndale Police Department Communications Van.
ACS is part of the Ferndale Emergency Resource Network (FERN) which is a consortium of emergency response volunteers who meet monthly to ensure Ferndale is prepared for any emergency or natural disaster. Also included in the FERN group is the Ferndale Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Ferndale School District, Northwest Washington American Red Cross, the Whatcom County Volunteer Mobilization Center, and the Whatcom Unified Emergency Coordination Center.
If you hold an FCC Amateur Radio License (Technician, General, or Extra) and are interested in becoming an ACS volunteer, please email ferndaleacs@cityofferndale.org to request an application.
The Ferndale ACS meets the first Saturday of every month at 9 AM in the Emergency Operations Center at the Ferndale Police Department, 2220 Main St.
Mission Statement
The mission of the FACS is to provide the highest standard of communications interoperability support to the citizens of the City of Ferndale.
Duties and Assignments of the FACS
Staff the City's Emergency Operation Center ("EOC") in the evend of an emergency or major event.
Support, maintain, and respond with the FACS group's assets, including communications equipment, vehicles, and other resources as assigned.
Provide assistance and support to other Emergency Communications organizations in Whatcom County.
We support these organizations in their quest to provide emergency communications support to citizens and agencies in need.
FACS Vision
To field a deployable, mission-capable 24/7 Emergency Communications Support Team
To train and maintain a citywide ACS Team
To haave an ACS Team comprised of, supported by, and managed by volunteers, with direction by Police Chief Kevin Turner and support given by the City of Ferndale and the Ferndale Police Department.
To provide communications support for community events on behalf of the City of Ferndale and the Ferndale Police Department.
HAM Radio
Amateur Radio ("HAM Radio") is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics, and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can even be a lifeline during times of need.
You can set up a ham radio system anywhere! In a field...at a club station...or at home.
Although amateur radio operators get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles, and pass an examination fo the FCC license required to operate on radio frequencies known as "Amateur Bands." These bands are radio frequencies allotted by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") for use by HAM radio operators.
Volunteering
The Ferndale ACS is actively recruiting volunteers with an interest in public service and a background in emergency communicatons. While many of our members are Amateru Radio operators, an Amateur Radio licence is not required to become a member of the FACS team!
If you are interested in joining the Ferndale ACS, you can download the application here.
Getting Started on HAM Radio
The first step in getting started with HAM radio is getting an Amateur Radio License from the Federal Communications Commission.
Passing the FCC test and getting your initial license usually costs less than $40.
There are classes held by many local groups for people who want more interaction. Once you have your first license, most hams find it best to start with simple equipment and grow over time.
What you do next depends on what sort of equipment you intend to use and what type of communications you'd like to try. It usually costs less than $200 to get your first radio and start talking to other HAMS.
