A group of local volunteers is heading back to the bridges this Halloween.
Members of the Drumlins Amateur Radio Club and Skenoh Island Amateur Radio Club will once again partner with New York State Police for the annual Pumpkin Patrol, a tradition now in its 44th year.
These licensed radio operators — known as “Hams” — will keep watch over Thruway overpasses on October 30 and 31. Their mission is simple: deter vandalism and keep drivers safe. They stay in constant contact with a central Net Control station, which can alert 911 immediately if anything goes wrong.
Drumlins President Dave Taylor says the patrol covers nearly every bridge across the New York State Thruway. “Hams across New York State volunteer their time… to maintain safety and prevent damage,” he said.
There hasn’t been a single serious incident involving bridge vandalism since the Pumpkin Patrol began.
The program is just one way local Ham operators give back. Many also assist during emergencies, working with the Wayne County Emergency Management Office, RACES, and ARES to support communication during disasters.
Anyone curious about Amateur Radio can learn more or get involved at www.arrl.org, www.drumlinsarc.us, or www.siarc.us.
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