Amateur radio group names new emergency coordinator

A new emergency coordinator has been appointed for the Deschutes County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (DCARES).

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) announced that Buzz Dean, of Bend , has been chosen to lead a group of ham radio operators that provide emergency communications in Deschutes County . The ARRL is the parent organization for all local ARES groups in the United States .

The appointment was made by ARRL Oregon Section Manager David Kidd in an announcement released on Wednesday.

“…Buzz Dean, W6BZZ, has been appointed the new EC for Deschutes Co ARES effective 15 Aug 2018. He not only has the support of the local ARES unit and the Deschutes Co Emergency Manager, but he brings a lot of life experiences to the job. I would like to ask everyone to support Buzz in his new job and help him in any way possible..”

Dean replaces retiring Emergency Coordinator Andy Johnson. In the announcement, Kidd thanks Johnson for his years of service.

“… Andrew Johnson , KE7TMU, is the outgoing EC for Deschutes Co ARES. He served in the position for 7 years. I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication to the ARES program and supporting the citizens in Deschutes Co. Andy has stated he will remain in the background as support as needed.”

Sgt. Nathan Garibay, the Emergency Manager for Deschutes County, says, “Andy’s dedication and professionalism as EC over the past 7 years has been a tremendous asset to Deschutes County .”

DCARES PIO Don Shurtleff says, “Dean is the perfect fit for the volunteer Emergency Coordinator position.”

His entire professional career involved high level engineering & business management with extensive experience in software/hardware product development; program management; technology operations; and partner ecosystem development. He developed artificial intelligence digital imaging devices, mobile technologies and Internet services in global development environments.

Dean worked at Apple Computer for 14 years and held several positions including Senior Director of Internet Engineering, and Director of Server Development.

His technical and management background is important to DCARES as ham radio depends heavily on computer networks and digital devices.

Dean’s volunteer activities further qualify him for the Emergency Coordinator position.

He was a long standing member of the Santa Clara County ( San Jose ) Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team. He obtained various FEMA, Wildland Fire Safety, and Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications

He was also certified in “Managing Lost Person Incidents”, and as a “SAR Tech III”.

Dean holds an “Extra Class” ham license…the highest class license in the amateur system, with a call sign of W6BZZ.

He and his wife, Robin moved to Bend in June of 2017.