Investing in Community Resilience:
The Forsyth County AuxComm
Operations Trailer Project
Providing a Vital Communications Lifeline
Introduction
Forsyth County AuxComm is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing critical auxiliary communications support to public safety entities and community organizations across a four-county area. Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina, the Department of Homeland Security identified the critical need for structured emergency response communication. This led to the creation of the Incident Command System (ICS), a standardized approach to managing emergency operations.
During catastrophic events, normal communications are often compromised, limiting the effectiveness of local emergency responders who have restricted radio frequency resources. In contrast, amateur radio operators have access to thousands of frequencies and a variety of methods for using those frequencies. This capability allows us to send not only voice communications but also emails, photos, and critical incident messages, making amateur radio an invaluable asset during emergencies.
As a certified member of the Auxiliary Communications (AuxComm) program, Forsyth AuxComm implements the ICS framework in all events, ensuring that we are prepared to coordinate effectively during emergencies. Our mission is to enhance public safety through efficient communication strategies, volunteer training, and community engagement. This fundraising appeal is for a dedicated Operations Trailer that will significantly enhance our capabilities to serve the community. While we primarily serve the Forsyth County and Surrounding Counties, the Operations Trailer may be dispatched if needed anywhere in Central North Carolina or the state for that matter.
The Critical Need
In emergency situations, reliable communication is paramount. As witnessed during Hurricane Helene, traditional communication systems can fail, leaving amateur radio as the only viable lifeline. Currently, Forsyth County AuxComm operates using portable pop-up canopies and borrowed trailers, facing challenges from weather, security, and limited equipment. Relying on members’ personal equipment creates inconsistencies in capabilities, operational planning issues, and potential downtime. “One thing we discovered in this event was that with most buildings being unsafe, and power out, working out of a canopy is not truly feasible, causing issues from security to weather protection.”
Our Solution: A Mobile Operations Trailer
The Forsyth County AuxComm Operations Trailer will provide a self-contained, all-weather, and fully equipped mobile communications hub. This will ensure consistent and reliable support regardless of the environment, personnel changes, or equipment availability. The trailer will be outfitted with unit-owned and county-provided equipment, ensuring members are fully trained and capable of maintaining continuous operations as needed. Additionally, the Operations Trailer will add a unified interoperability communications capability enabling us to communicate directly with public safety agencies and other non-public safety entities such as Baptist Men’s, Salvation Army, Red Cross, CERT, CB React and more.
The Forsyth County AuxComm Operations Trailer will provide a self-contained, all-weather, and fully equipped mobile communications hub. This will ensure consistent and reliable support regardless of the environment, personnel changes, or equipment availability. The trailer will be outfitted with unit-owned and county-provided equipment, ensuring members are fully trained and capable of maintaining continuous operations as needed. Additionally, the Operations Trailer will add a unified interoperability communications capability enabling us to communicate directly with public safety agencies and other non-public safety entities such as Baptist Men’s, Salvation Army, Red Cross, CERT, CB React and more.
Project Goals
Our primary goal is to have the Operations Trailer fully operational within six months of receiving funding. This includes:
- Completing trailer specifications and obtaining quotes.
- Securing insurance for the trailer and equipment.
- Finalizing equipment lists for both installed and portable items.
- Construction Timeline: The trailer manufacture has a 10–12-week production timeline
and our project planning outline provides for another 10–12-week period after delivery to
complete interior upfit and equipment installation and testing.
How Your Donation Will Make a Difference
- Enhance support for public safety and non-profit partners during emergencies and events.
- Expand community outreach activities, particularly to youth organizations like scout troops and JROTC units.
- Provide a visible and secure base of operations at events like the County Fair and local
- Christmas Parade.
- Provide an all-weather capable mobile training platform that can also be used during live events.
- Increase volunteer participation.
Forsyth County AuxComm supports and responds to a wide range of events both planned and emergency. Annually we support three non-profit organizations in their activities as well as local Offices of Emergency Management with emergency and planned event response and communications. We conduct approximately 16 planned / training operations annually.
Key Activities Supported
- Non-Profit Support (MS Society Walk/Run, Friends of Sauratown Mt. Walk/Run, Make
A-Wish Challenge Hike, MS Society Bike MS) - Local Club Support (Ham Fests, ARRL Field Day)
- Community Outreach (National Night Out, County Fair, Local Christmas Parade)
- Training and Community Outreach (Emergency Management, CERT Operations, NWS
Skywarn Course, High School JROTC, Scouting Troops, Local Retirement Centers)
Budget and Funding Request
Total funding for this project is $50,080.00. We are asking you to help fund this project by donating or sponsoring any of the areas listed below. Annual sponsorships are also appreciated. The funding for the purchase and outfitting of the Operations Trailer breaks down as follows:
- Trailer Purchase: $23000
- AC Power Generation (Generator, Wiring): $1520
- DC Power Generation / Distribution (Power Supplies, Wiring, Distribution Pts.): $3545
- Communications Equipment (Radios, Related Software): $5740
- Antennas Systems (Antennas, Cables, Masts, Related Items): $4970
- Administration Equipment (Computers, Monitors, Printer, Hub system, Chairs): $2410
- Tooling (Specialized and basic tools to maintain Equipment and Trailer): $1500
- Decaling and Trailer Markings: $880
- 10% Contingency Cost Override (Due to Cost Variations Beyond Our Control): $4115
- Insurance and Operational Costs (Annually): $1900
- Shipping Costs (Estimated aggregate not included in equipment pricing): $500
Ways to Partner With Us
By donating any amount or sponsoring any part of the Operations Trailer build, or annual Operations costs you will be providing our community and the surrounding areas of North Carolina with a reliable, all-weather, unified interoperable communications asset that currently does not exist and is critically needed.
- Donate Online
- Send a Check: Payable to:
o Forsyth County AuxComm, Inc. P.O. Box 1093 Lewisville, NC 27023
- Corporate Sponsorship: Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities.
Key Personnel
Our dedicated team brings a wealth of experience in emergency communications and public service:
- Harlan Cobert, President / AuxComm-ARES Coordinator: Harlan holds an Amateur General License (W1HRC) and is a retired airline pilot / executive and seasoned emergency communications professional with decades of experience in public safety.
- Wayne Collins, Operations Section Chief: Wayne holds an Amateur Extra License (KK4ZHL) and is a US Navy Radioman and IT professional with extensive expertise in communications technology and network systems.
- Stacey McArthur, Safety Officer: Stacey holds an Amateur Extra License (W1LLO) and is a state-certified AuxComm Radio Operator. She has been active in AuxComm operations for the past 9 years and is committed to ensuring safety in community communications.
Evaluation and Sustainability
The Forsyth County AuxComm Board of Directors will oversee the project, ensuring milestones are met and funds are used effectively. The Operations Trailer will be maintained and operated through ongoing members and community donations.
Conclusion
Your support for the Forsyth County AuxComm Operations Trailer will directly enhance our ability to protect and serve the community. By investing in this project, you are investing in resilience, unified interoperability, preparedness and the safety of our citizens. Thank you for considering our request. We look forward to partnering with you!