About Us

When disasater strikes, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is there. Western Washington District 5 ARES serves the communities of Pierce County Washington. Our customers include Pierce County Department of Emergency Management, Camp Murray State EOC, the City of Puyallup Department of Emergency Management, Gig Harbor Fire District 5, the American Red Cross, Citizens Corps, CERT, as well as local hospitals, and other community  organizations.

ARES members prepare and make themselves and their radio equipment available in times of disaster - earthquake, flooding, volcanos, storms, and more.

ARES members participate in drills and exercises on a regular basis.  District 5 ARES also supports local events such as the March of Dimes walks, and Sound to Narrow.  Each June ARES members also participate in ARRL Field Day.  Members are encouraged to participate in local and District Meetings.  District meetings are the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7PM.  The location changes.  See calendar for location of meetings and events.

Click Here to Register with ARES

Volunteer and Serve - Join ARES

If you are a licensed amatuer radio operator you may become a member of ARES.  Please complete the application form and submit it today.   To obtain an emergency worker card to become field-deployable, please complete the following FEMA courses online at no cost. IS 100, 200, and 700 .  Some local agencies may require additional application material to be submitted.

For more information contact:

Ken Gibson, District Emergency Coordinator

n7elf (AT) arrl.net.

Getting your license isn't difficult!  Pass a 35 question multiple choice test and you're on your way.  Click on the class link to the right for information on upcoming classes.  Exam times and locations are on the link below.