Executive Staff
The Volunteer Executive Staff Members act as liaisons on behalf of the EMA Director between the EMA volunteers and the Full-time staff. The Volunteer Executive Staff also assist with the planning and training of volunteers for the organizations needs.
Communications
EMA communications is split between the following two groups:
Telecommunications provides trained volunteer operators for public safety radio communications, as well as telephone and messengers for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Mobile Command Post. The EOC radio room has been equipped with three state of the art electronic communications consoles, a computer aided dispatch workstation, and four call taker positions.
RACES are a group of trained Amateur Radio operators who volunteer time and resources to assist our community during times of disaster or other communications emergencies. We also provide communication support for public events and non-profit organizations. While we primarily service McHenry County, we coordinate our efforts with other Illinois counties, the state and ultimately federal organizations. We conduct weekly radio nets and periodic training drills to insure that our level of preparedness continues to improve. www.mcraces.org
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Weather Observation
Weather Operations consists of a group of volunteers trained for severe weather observation, who report conditions to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the McHenry County Government Center.
Search & Rescue
The Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) Team was formed in the fall of 2003 by the EMA volunteers who are dedicated in assisting the communities and county with ground search and rescue. The team is comprised of volunteers all with a wide range of abilities and expertise. All GSAR members are trained in crime scene preservation procedures, ground search and rescue techniques, first aid, CPR, helicopter operations and search management techniques.
Technology
Changing the way we communicate.
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Support
The Support Division assists with maintaining vehicles, communications equipment, and the Emergency Operations Center in a readiness state.