HEART

My interest in radio communications started in the mid-60s.  I received a Heathkit Walkie-Talkie kit and proceeded to create a solder mess that is still record breaking to this day  As I slightly matured, a brief stint at Chowan College afforded me another endeavor in wireless communications while trying to get an advanced copy of the next day’s exam.  The hay day of the 70’s CB Craze further influenced my radio interest. But it wasn’t until the early 90’s that I made the leap.  I had an FCC license but no real purpose for it. 

 

As Security Manager at Patriots Colony, I found my radio purpose in emergency communications.  We were the first Riverside Hospital facility to have a permanent station.   As my interest developed, I served as President of the WAARC club in Williamsburg for 4 years.  Then things changed!

 

I received a message that Paul and Irene Swartz were working with Riverside management to standardize their emergency communications.  When I met with what turned out to be Ira and Paula, they explained the program to me and to the PC CERT team. I was hooked. Our facility equipment was soon upgraded with EVHC funding and I became the radio operator assigned to Doctors Hospital.  After I retired, I was reassigned to Sentara CarePlex.  Aside from being a great hospital and much closer to home, the staff has been fully supportive of the program and my needs in the radio room.

 

Our team members continuously train to provide the best service to our healthcare facilities.  Our team leadership, member participation, and event participations have made the team well known across the country.  Working with the HEART team is a truly rewarding experience. 

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