The individual identified by this card is an active, credentialed volunteer with the Marion County Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES)—a program sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and coordinated locally in support of Marion County Emergency Management and other public safety agencies.

ARES volunteers are federally licensed amateur radio operators who provide emergency and auxiliary communications during disasters, public service events, and other incidents where normal systems may be compromised or overloaded.

🆔 ID Card Symbol Legend

  • 🔵 Blue Dot: Indicates FCC amateur radio license class: T = Technician, G = General, A = Advanced, E = Extra
  • 🟢 Green Dot: Displays a G if the cardholder is GMRS-licensed
  • 🟡 Yellow Dot: Indicates participation in the SHARES Program (Shared Resources HF Radio)
  • Silver Star: Completion of AUXCOMM classroom training (CISA)
  • Gold Star: Full completion of AUXCOMM course and practicum

✅ Qualifications & Training (May Include):

  • FCC Amateur Radio License (Technician, General, Advanced, or Extra Class)
  • FEMA Independent Study Courses:
    • IS-100.c – Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)
    • IS-200.c – ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
    • IS-700.b – Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
    • IS-800.d – National Response Framework, An Introduction
  • AUXCOMM (Auxiliary Communications Training) – Sponsored by CISA Emergency Communications Division
  • SHARES Program Participant – Managed by CISA
  • Participation in ARES training nets, public service events, and disaster exercises
  • Background checks or credentialing as required by served agencies

📡 Capabilities:

  • Deployable for voice and digital communications
  • Operates on HF, VHF, UHF, and digital modes (Winlink, APRS, etc.)
  • Supports communication at EOCs, shelters, PODs, hospitals, and field sites
  • Capable of off-grid operation using portable power and field antennas

🔋 Personal Equipment Commitment

Marion County ARES volunteers typically provide their own communications equipment, including handheld and mobile radios, power supplies, digital interface devices, antennas, and backup power solutions. This self-sufficiency enables rapid deployment and operational flexibility in a wide range of conditions.

🤝 Affiliations:

  • ARRL – Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
  • Marion County Division of Emergency Management
  • Florida State ARES and AUXCOMM programs
  • Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
  • CISA SHARES – Shared Resources High Frequency Radio Program

For additional information, contact:
🔖 Hayden Kaufman – Emergency Coordinator
📧 n2hay@aresmcfl.org
📞 352-300-7532
🌐 www.aresmcfl.org