Disaster Amateur Radio Network

Playing a vital role in disaster response

 

 

The Disaster Amateur Radio Network (DARN) of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. was established in 2004 because there was a need for emergency and back up communications for the Catholic Charities Disaster Response Team in the aftermath of a disaster. The network was built and funded due to a grant awarded by Catholic Charities USA.

 

Currently, DARN is the only emergency communications network in any Catholic Charities agency nationwide.

 

DARN is a UHF/VHF radio network that covers the ten counties in the Diocese of Venice located in Southwest Florida. The network has six radio base stations located in Naples, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, Venice and Arcadia.

 

Volunteers are FCC licensed amateur radio operators who are available to serve in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. In addition, the network has an in-residence group and mobile group of operators. These volunteers use their own equipment and operate from their homes or privately owned vehicles. They provide back-up and mobility for DARN.

 

An important component of a UHF/VHF radio network is access to one or more repeater frequency. A repeater frequency allows a UHF/VHF signal to be transmitted and received from a much larger geographic range. DARN cannot afford the costs of a repeater station but have been given access to several through local amateur radio clubs. DARN is especially grateful to the Tamiami Amateur Radio Club in Venice, the Charlotte Amateur Radio Society in Port Charlotte, and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service in Fort Myers for the use of repeater frequencies.

 

Anyone interested in becoming a member of DARN, please contact Program Coordinator Bob Sullenberger at 941-497-5422 or at robert.sullenberger@hotmail.com. Click HERE to visit the DARN web site.

 

Photo: Volunteers of the Disaster Amateur Radio Network (DARN) of Catholic Charities at the Annual Meeting at San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte.

 

Calling all Amateur Radio Operators! The network meets on air the second Monday of the month at 11 a.m. EST on 146.805 Mhz (-) PL 100. All licensed operators are invited to participate.