Allow me a point of privilege. Recall I responded to the sad news of our HQ area ham member, Colin - KB1YYG , who died in the line of duty in the ODV message I responded to on 8-13-2021 . (See [arrl-odv:32685] Re: Sad news). Many trained firefighters and other emergency responders are hams was my theme.

In our latest Friday newsletter, page 2, I was surprised and pleased to see my good friend and active firefighter Andy Kirk, WB2C was cited as one of our newest Maxim club members - #325. I had no idea. And I had nothing to do with his donation and he did not know I referenced him and the other hams at my fire station (Station 73) in my tribute to ham-volunteers. I see him sometime 4 or 5 times a week on emergency calls – he is one of the best fire truck – emergency response operators/drivers we have and a good friend. He has been there for the 20 years or so I have been. This was too much of a coincidence for me not to mention. All the Rose Tree Fire company responders are volunteers just as many in your hometowns likely are or perhaps are career responders. He lives perhaps 2 miles from me and is a retired scientist/chemist. Did not say a word to me about his donation and was surprised (and pleased) I somehow knew. He was expecting no recognition.

And I am sure we have thousands of emergency responders/volunteers like Andy in our ranks. You all likely know some too. I still think there should be an article brewing about our member hams (and other hams) in public safety service. We have many – I suspect more than the average.

Bob Famiglio, K3RF

Vice Director - ARRL Atlantic Division

610-359-7300

www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF

From: arrl-odv On Behalf Of Kelly Wells
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2021 10:01 AM
To: HQ Staff <hqstaff@arrl.org>; arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>
Subject: [arrl-odv:32884] October 8, 2021- In News Letter

Enjoy, and Happy Friday 😊

Kelly Wells

Executive Assistant

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®

Newington, CT 06111

860-594-0242