Sunday, September 18, 2016

Pumpkin Patrol 2016



The Liverpool Amateur Radio Club (LARC), the Amateur Radio community and The New York State Police (Troop T) are again pleased to sponsor the 2016 Pumpkin Patrol. (Most counties across NY have Ham radio groups participating)




This is a two night public service event to be held on October 30th (Sun.) and 31st (Mon.) from 19:00 to 21:00 hours. The chairman is seeking Amateur Radio Operators who can dedicate one or both evenings. Operators are encouraged to work in pairs and non-ham friends, family or pets are encouraged to accompany them. Teams will operate from their vehicles (no walking or standing required) and repeater coverage (146.31/91) is generally okay for handheld.



The Pumpkin Patrol was started by a Citizen's Band Operator named Katherine St. Jacques in 1976. Soon after a truck driver she was talking to was injured by an object thrown from an overpass, St. Jacques and two companions began the practice of standing watch on overpasses that crossed the NYS Thruway. The Pumpkin Patrol has grown over the years and in 1990 St. Jacques retired from duty turning coordination over to Troop T. Troop T now works with 24 Sheriff's departments, over 46 local police agencies and numerous volunteer groups to coordinate the observation of roads passing over the Thruway corridor.

If you are interested in participating for the Onondaga County portion of this event, please contact Al May, WA2KFV at pumpkinpatrollarc@gmail.com . Please specify your availability for one night or two and provide a contact e-mail and phone number. If you have a preference, please let me know when you register, assignments are made on a first-come, first served basis with consideration as to where you live and what bridge you covered last year. (from the LARC September Longwire)

Many other area counties across NY State will also be participating again this year. Check with your local club or ARES/RACES group if you are interested in helping out with Pumpkin Patrol 2016.

Known county patrols:


Monroe
Onondaga
Wayne

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