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Thurston County ARES/RACES

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About

Thurston County ARES (TCARES) – Serving Our Community Through Amateur Radio

In times of emergency, when conventional communication systems falter or fail, trained amateur radio operators stand ready to ensure that critical messages continue to move. The Thurston County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (TCARES) team exists to serve that mission—supporting our local emergency management agencies, health systems, public safety partners, and communities with reliable, resilient communications.

Our mission is built on three key pillars:

HAM Radio Skills & Training – We develop and maintain proficiency in emergency communications, digital modes, and radio operations through regular drills, training exercises, and public service events.

Community Service & Support – TCARES members volunteer their time and expertise to assist with local events, provide communications for disaster preparedness programs, and promote public awareness of emergency readiness.

Emergency Response & Coordination – We work closely with Thurston County Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, and other agencies to provide reliable radio communication during emergencies, ensuring vital information flows when it matters most.

Core Values

The work of TCARES is grounded in three fundamental core values that guide every member’s actions: Volunteerism, Preparedness, and Reliability. These principles reflect our commitment to public service, technical excellence, and unwavering support of our community during times of need.

Volunteerism

TCARES is a 100% volunteer organization. Our members contribute their time, skills, and personal resources to serve the people of Thurston County without expectation of compensation. This spirit of service drives everything we do — from participating in community events to responding during disasters. We serve because we believe in giving back and in the vital role amateur radio plays in supporting public safety.

Preparedness

Readiness is the cornerstone of effective emergency communication. TCARES members maintain a state of individual and organizational preparedness through regular training, equipment readiness, and participation in drills and exercises. Whether responding from home, the field, or an emergency operations center, each operator is expected to be self-sufficient and capable of deploying with minimal notice.

Reliability

When traditional communication systems fail, served agencies rely on us to deliver. Our commitment to reliability means we operate with discipline, clarity, and technical proficiency. We strive to be accurate, timely, and dependable in all communications, ensuring that messages are handled professionally and that our presence adds value to the overall emergency response.

MEMBERSHIP

Eligibility

Hold a Valid Amateur Radio License – A Technician-class or higher FCC amateur radio license is required for ARES membership. If you’re not licensed yet, consider studying for your license using ARRL resources (www.arrl.org/licensing-education-training). License testing is available through the Olympia Amateur Radio Society (OARS) (https://www.olyham.org/license-testing)

Reside in Thurston County, Washington - In order to participate effectively in training, exercises and to be available for activation in support of Thurston County Emergency Management, residence within the county is essential.

Commit to Emergency Communication Service – ARES is a volunteer organization that assists in emergency situations and public service events. Members should be prepared to participate in drills, activations, and ongoing training.

Be willing to train and participate in TCARES activities

How to Apply

Submit an Application - Fill in the TCARES Application

Attend a Meeting - TCARES conducts a weekly net Tuesday evenings, which you are welcome to attend as a guest, see the Events page for schedule and frequency information. We also conduct a monthly in-person meeting the second Thursday of each month at the Thurston County Emergency Management building, see the Events page for location, schedule and Zoom information.

Contact the Emergency Coordinator - You can contact the Emergency Coordinator for TCARES via email at wa7oly@gmail.com.

Acceptance of applications to join TCARES are subject to a background check conducted by Thurston County Emergency Management, and approval by the TCARES Leadership Team.

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