Updated Equipment Can Save Lives

Thirty is the magic number for members of Search and Rescue of the Adirondacks, an organization in the northern mountains of New York State. Known by the acronym, SARNAK, the group is marking its 30th year with a core group of 30 volunteers. It is also preparing for the arrival of 30 new radios - the result of a grant of more than $6,000 from the town of North Elba. This will enable SARNAK to continue its mission to support search and recovery missions by replacing its second-hand fire department radio with updated communication equipment. The new radios will have longer-lasting batteries and a greater range than the 40-kilometre radius surrounding the local repeater. They will also have digital capability.

Coordinator Jeff Berry, KE2DKA, told the Lake Placid News that SARNAK has been experiencing a resurgence since the challenges of the pandemic eased up and is now inspired to expand its community engagement. He said volunteers have already begun doing more local public service activities, providing support to major races and other events, including the 90-mile Adirondack Canoe Classic.

SARNAK has had support too from local ham radio clubs, including the Adirondack Amateur Radio Association and the High Peaks Amateur Radio Group.

Although SARNAK members such as Elena Lumby, KE2DJC and Joe Shoemaker, K2SHU, already have their ham licenses, the group plans to use the grant money to help fund training so that more search and rescue volunteers can become hams too. That will hopefully carry them and SARNAK's important work for at least another 30 years.