Olympia Amateur Radio Society donates radios to Lacey Police Department  

The Olympia Amateur Radio Society, a locally based ham radio club, donated two high frequency, handheld radios to the Lacey Police Department. 

Lacey Police Sgt. Kevin Landwherle said the radios will help to improve communication between the Lacey Police Department and the Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation Department.

Doug Grover, director of marketing and communications for the radio society, said the radios will especially help during events like the Fireworks Spectacular on Thursday, July 3, which can draw crowds of roughly 25,000 people. 

“All these people trying to use the internet and their cellphones tends to overwhelm these services, making two-way radio the most reliable service,” said Grover in an announcement about the donation of radios.

Grover said that amauter radio has grown in popularity in the last 10 years.

"More and more people have become aware of  methods of communications that don't necessarily rely on power from the grid, or an internet connection, to stay in contact with families and friends," Grover said.

The Olympia Amateur Radio Society, whose motto is "We Communicate," has nearly 300 members.

"As a club, we have grown exponentially in the past few years. We help those interested in providing education and training. We also prepare them to take and pass the Federal Communication Commission examination to get a (ham radio license)," Grover said.

To learn more about the amateur radio society, click here, or email dtgrover4975@gmail.com.