Volunteer Amateur Radio operators provide emergency radio communications for the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP), municipal government Emergency Operation Centres (EOC), and volunteer emergency response organizations, primarily Search And Rescue (SAR). We also provide support for community events in the region.

The Prince George Amateur Radio Club purchased a new custom-built trailer and our members installed the equipment that you see in these photos (and some that you don't see). It is equipped with both Amateur and commercial radio equipment for operation on HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies using voice, pactor, packet, and PSK31. Power is supplied by solar panels, batteries, generator, or the power grid. The trailer has both propane and electric heating. Other essentials include a full kitchen, fold down couch/bed and two folding cots.

This photo shows the new 42' pneumatic mast in use for the first time on a search in the summer of 2011. There is a VHF antenna on top that is camouflaged by the overcast sky.

This photo was taken at a search and rescue operation west of Williams Lake.
The site was about 500Km from Prince George and 40 Km back in the bush on logging "roads" (and 40km from the closest power lines).

We enjoy being able to help members of our communities "when the chips are down".
We built the trailer to be a regional resource.
It is shown here in Fort Saint John, about a 5-hour drive north of Prince George.

We've also had it to Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, and Hudson's Hope.

Using the trailer for public events gives us a chance to "exercise" the trailer and procedures, to train more people, and to practice our skills.

We used it as a dispatch centre for 25 vehicles during the 2008 BC Senior Games in Prince George.

This 4-day event provided plenty of practice for the radio operators and confirmed that we could comfortably
operate for extended periods with a staff of 4 and we could accomodate up to 6 workers if required.

Shown here under construction by PGARC members is what we call our "support trailer".
In its former life, it was a mobile construction site lighting tower.
When finished. it will include a mobile tower, an industrial power plant, more fuel(propane), antenna masts and other supplies.
This is a list of the sponsors who have helped with this project in one way or another.
Some have donated money, some donated equipment, and some supplied equipment at their cost.
Without their help, we could not have built this great resource. We sincerely thank every one of you!