BayComm Welcomes New Members

BayComm is an all-volunteer group of West Shore residents who practice emergency preparedness communications with one another. Associated with first responder organizations such as CERT and Bay Police and Fire—BayComm is looking to expand its "safety net" of residents who want to maintain contact with others—if and when traditional forms of communication go down. Think of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), or a man-made EMP, or even a cyber-attack! There are many things that could bring down the communications grid. Don't be left with that feeling of not knowing what's going on around you.

With an effective range of 10 miles, our radios are designed to reach members who live well outside of Bay Village. Think of how often you reach for the scanner, when the power goes out. If communications were to go down, your radio is within reach—BayComm members will find each other on a designated frequency on the CB band.

We have weekly radio nets and monthly meetings, as well as occasional drills and social outings. If nothing else, BayComm offers a social outlet. Members come from all walks of life and all age groups. There are no special requirements to join.  Senior members of BayComm will help new members purchase the necessary radio equipment and assist in setting it up for the greatest reach.

As Operations Manager, Jim Kettren began BayComm in 2012. He was a CB radio operator in Fairview in the 1970s and 1980s. Given a background in law enforcement and communications, Jim believes he has found his niche in helping others prepare for events that we all hope will never occur.

If you believe in the importance of emergency communications, please email Jim Kettren at jim.kettren@hyland.com.

Jim Kettren

Jim Kettren is an auxiliary police officer for Bay Village. He has a degree in Criminal Justice from Baldwin Wallace University.

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Volume 2, Issue 1, Posted 6:02 PM, 07.03.2014