About Dawson County ARES®
Dawson County ARES® consists of a volunteer group of FCC licensed amateur radio hobbyists who work together to create and maintain an organizational structure necessary to provide radio communications support to local emergency management agencies and other partners as need arises.
We strive to enhance the reliability, quality and professionalism of emergency communications not only in our community, but wherever we are called to assist.
Every member of the Dawson County ARES® team commits to maintain their radio is in a constant state of working order, dedicate the time to increase their skills through continued education provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Weather Service, and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). In addition, as an organization, we hold weekly training nets through the use of local repeaters on 2M & 70cm frequencies while holding a monthly meeting for in person presentations on a variety of topics including but not limited to: new technologies, antenna designs, and a variety of preparedness topics.
This establishment of training and performance standards, written policies and procedures we are constantly prepared to assist our partner organizations if the need arises.
Our Mission:
A primary responsibility of the Amateur Radio Service, as established by Part 97 of the Federal Communications Commission’s regulations, is the performance of public service communications for the general public, particularly in times of emergency when normal communications are not available.
To that end, the Dawson County ARES® members, under the oversight of the American Radio Relay League, will equip themselves and train to provide communications as a direct service to the general public through government and relief agencies of Dawson County Georgia, the State of Georgia, and Federal Agencies when requested by those agencies.
Our Charter:
“The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization, is eligible for membership in ARES®. The only qualification, other than possession of an Amateur Radio license from the FCC, is a sincere desire to serve. Because ARES® is an amateur service, only amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable but is not a requirement for membership.” — ARRL Public Service Communications Manual
Our Leadership
The Emergency Coordinator for Dawson County ARES® is Michael K Holland (KK4PMW). The Assistant Emergency Coordinator (AEC) for Dawson County ARES® is Duane Olson (K4KAN).
We are always looking for assistance from local HAM radio operators and if you're interested, please fill out the application by clicking the blue Apply now button at the top of the page and email your form to
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) is a program of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). ARES® and Amateur Radio Emergency Service® are registered service marks of the ARRL. The ARES® logo used by Dawson County ARES® is used by permission. All ARES® records, membership rosters and other data pertaining to the ARES® program, wherever located, are the property of the ARRL.