Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES)

The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) program was founded in 1952. The RACES program is a volunteer group that provides communications support to the Office of Emergency Services during times of disaster. The members of the Sheriff's RACES Program are all licensed amateur radio operators who volunteer their time and service to the support of the Sheriff.

Mission

As part of their emergency planning, RACES members play an active role in preparing emergency communications support for all of the Cities within Contra Costa County. By coordinating their activities throughout the county, the members of the group are able to plan a coordinated and complete communications plan. No matter the type of emergency, the members of the RACES program will be there to provide communications support.

Qualifications

To apply for membership with the Sheriff's RACES Program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a valid amateur radio operator's license.
• Possess a valid California Driver's License.
• Be in good physical and mental condition.
• Have no juvenile police record or poor driving history.
• Own and maintain your own radio equipment.

Download and review the RACES Membership Criteria.

Apply for RACES membership

Download and Fill out the CCCSO Volunteer Application and bring it to the next RACES Training Session or, to one of our Management Meetings.

If you can't make one of our meetings, applications can be delivered in person or mailed to:

RACES Resource Manual

The RACES management team has decided that the ARRL EC-001 course book will be the RACES resource manual. We have created a set of operating aides that supplement it with local information. The Course manual is available from the ARRL for $19.95 (4/10).

Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course, Level I.
ARRL Order No. 8462. Click here to order

Mandatory Training

All members are expected to complete the following training:

1. Contra Costa Harassment Awareness
2. RACES/ARES Basic Training
3. FEMA ICS 100 - Introduction to Incident Command System
4. FEMA ICS 200 - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
5. FEMA NIMS 700 - National Incident Management System, An Introduction

Recommended Training

Since message handling is an important part of our job, it is recommended that all members complete the following online courses:

1. Level 1 AREC (EC-001)
2. IS-800.b National Response Framework

If you still have questions, contact the Administration Radio Officer.

The Volunteer Services Unit is continually accepting applications for the Sheriff's RACES Program.