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Blount Emergency Amateur Radio Service (BEARS) is an active ARES group in Blount County. This is not a club, rather it is a service group formed under the structure of the ARRL. ARES communications operators receive emergency communications training and offers communications services to such organizations as Blount County Emergency Management, Blount Memorial Hospital, the local American Red Cross chapter and other community organizations. All licensed amateur radio operators are invited to take an active role in this organization.

SMARC donated their communications trailer in support of the Blount County ARES group in 2019. A grant request was submitted to Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) for funds to update the trailer and make some needed repairs. ARDC awarded a $11,750 grant to BEARS. The trailer roof and floors have been repaired, the carpet cleaned and door repaired. The AC and DC power systems have been updated and new dual power lighting installed using LEDs. Exterior lighting was added that included upper and lower perimeter. The trailer is routinely used to support local events which offer real life training for ARES members.

If you have an interest in ARES, the group meets at the Blount County 911 Center at 7 pm on the 3rd Tuesday each month and there is a regular Thursday evening Net at 9pm on the WB4GBI 146.625 repeater, tone 118.8 Want more information? Contact the BCECS TEAM APP button below and/or take part in the Net, it is open to all licensed amateur radio operators.