Florida Communications Unit

09/11/2026

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. We honor the first responders, service members and everyday Americans whose courage and selflessness were seen in the moments, days and years that followed.

Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember those we lost, those who answered the call and the sacrifices made in the wake of that day. 🇺🇸

09/10/2026

Recently, communications unit resources assisted Marion County with deployable capabilities to support the Rock the Country 2026 tour.

COML’s, COMT’s and tactical dispatchers worked together and provided on-scene command, tactical, and mutual aid channels, links to the 911 center’s 800mhz radio system and on incident dispatch capability.

Planned events provide unique opportunities for staff to practice proven incident management protocols and hone skills prior to no warning incidents.

06/05/2026

The communications unit was given the opportunity to present this week at Florida’s Training for Emergency Management (FTEM) symposium.

A static resource display, ESF2 capabilities briefing, and the highlight of the week; a PACE planning workshop and thunderbolt exercise on Thursday.

PACE introduces layered communications redundancy planning across disciplines and can be implemented simply using existing resources.

The team had a great time presenting and seeing many friends in the industry. Great job to FDEM training on this leading event. We’re looking forward to FTEM2027!


Florida Division of Emergency Management

05/25/2026

04/07/2026

Florida’s Central Region (5) communications unit staff attended the annual statewide incident management team (IMT) summit recently with our SWIC. Team members from Florida's 7 IMT's networked, attended training, heard from FDEM leadership on plans and training for the 2026 season, and participated in a tabletop exercise.

An equipment cache display familiarized personnel with available resources. Many communications unit personnel in Florida are cross-rostered on these regional IMT’s for flexibility which is key in disaster scenarios.

02/14/2026

AUXCOMM Forum- David Byrum and SWIC Roger Lord facilitated the annual stakeholder forum today in Orlando in partnership with Hamcation.

Arc Thames, our region 1/2 coordinator received the 2nd annual AUXCOMM volunteer of of the year award. Arc’s efforts statewide and within his regions in North Florida are a model for other volunteers serving the citizens and visitors to our state in times of need. Congratulations!

We were privileged to have former FEMA administrator, Craig Fugate to address the forum attendees on the importance of amateur radio’s role in communications resilience.


Santa Rosa County FL Citizen Corps
Santa Rosa County Emergency Management

02/12/2026

Congrats to 11 AUXC trainees, who put in 20 hours of training this week in Orlando. Two of these volunteer communicators traveled from Ohio and South Carolina to be a part of the program. We look forward to your success and recognition with your served agencies!

Thank you to the City of Orlando - Government Emergency Managment team and Hamcation for your 10 years of partnership on this annual class.

Florida’s annual AUXCOMM stakeholder meeting takes place tomorrow at the Central Florida Fairgrounds at 9:15am.

01/29/2026

INTD Training- Last week Santa Rosa County hosted a combined region 1 and 2 incident tactical dispatcher course.

PST’s from Panhandle agencies attended adding to Florida’s roster of tactical dispatch personnel to become qualified for future support and response needs.

A special thanks to Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District and our friend Roman at JPS for stopping by and demonstrating your capabilities. Future INTD classes are now being planned for region 6 and 3.

Florida APCO
Florida Chapter of NENA
Florida TERT
Santa Rosa County Emergency Management
Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office FL

12/25/2025

Wishing you a very Merry and safe Christmas Season 2025!

11/11/2025

To all our veterans, we thank and honor you all 🇺🇸