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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tim Solobay |
  
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Solobay resolution acknowledging radio operators' service adopted
HARRISBURG, June 23 – The House of Representatives has adopted state Rep. Tim Solobay’s resolution recognizing June 28 through June 29, 2008, as "American Radio Relay League Field Day" in Pennsylvania.
Solobay, D-Washington, said during a 24-hour period on those dates, ham operators across the Commonwealth will test their skills relaying information.
"If the normal lines of communications are knocked out in Pennsylvania due to a natural or man-made disaster, the volunteer amateur radio operators take over. They help state and local officials get information to the public and can help citizens who may need emergency assistance," said Solobay, who serves as chairman of the Firefighter's Caucus and is chief of the Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department, where he has been a volunteer since 1978.
"Field Day" is an annual 24-hour emergency exercise that tests amateur radio operators’ abilities to set up and operate stations in the field under emergency conditions. During the exercise, they will try and contact as many other participating stations as possible, simulating the fast on-air skills needed to relay information to authorities in an emergency situation.
There are more than 23,000 licensed amateur radio operators in Pennsylvania.
For more information about Pennsylvania amateur radio, contact the Washington County Amateur Radio Club at www.wacomarc.org or Solobay’s office in Canonsburg at 724-746-3762 or in Washington at 724-233-2114.
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