Walker County Amateur Radio Group Strengthens Emergency Communication in Huntsville

Local volunteers partner with Huntsville Memorial Hospital to ensure reliable communication when modern systems fail.

Keeping Walker County Connected When It Counts

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — In a world where cell service, internet, and digital systems can fail without warning, the Walker County Amateur Radio Group is making sure Huntsville stays connected. The local nonprofit of licensed radio operators is working hand in hand with Huntsville Memorial Hospital (HMH) and emergency management officials to build a resilient communications network ready for any crisis.

Vice President Russ Cooper, a retired FAA air traffic controller and U.S. military veteran, said the group’s mission is rooted in readiness and service. “Radio is always going to be there,” Cooper said. “Living on the Gulf Coast, a hurricane in your backyard is always a possibility. We want to make sure people can still communicate when the power or internet goes down.”

After retiring in 2012, Cooper followed in the footsteps of his father, who was also a ham operator, and joined the Walker County Amateur Radio Group. Today, he helps lead training and emergency-preparedness efforts that strengthen coordination across the region.

Partnership With Huntsville Memorial Hospital

The club’s latest partnership began when Joe Schorre, Emergency Management Coordinator and respiratory therapist at HMH, reached out for help strengthening the hospital’s emergency communication capabilities.

“During a crisis, the hospital becomes the rally point,” Schorre explained. “People look to us for help and direction. Thanks to the Walker County Amateur Radio Group, we now have the ability to communicate locally, regionally, and even statewide by radio if phones or internet are down.”

Schorre said the collaboration has already proven invaluable. The club helped install radio systems at the hospital and trained several staff members to earn their own ham radio licenses. “We’ve built a system that gives us peace of mind,” Schorre said. “If the grid goes down, we’re still connected.”

The Expertise of Rick Fell

Behind the technical side of the project is Rick Fell, a club member whose career in communications spans decades. Originally from upstate New York, Fell was first licensed at 16 years old and later served in both the U.S. Army and Air Force, specializing in radio and microwave systems.

“Back when I was a kid, my dad was a volunteer who helped direct traffic for the fire department,” Fell recalled. “We had scanners and radios in the house, and that’s where it all started.”

After his military service, Fell worked in global communications for the oil and gas industry, designing and maintaining infrastructure systems. When he retired and moved to New Waverly, his wife spotted a photo of the Walker County Amateur Radio Group in a local magazine — and encouraged him to get involved again.

Fell reactivated his license, joined the club, and quickly became a cornerstone of its emergency-communication initiatives. “When Joe contacted us about the hospital project, my first step was to figure out what they had and what they needed,” he said. “We created backup options A, B, and C — ways to communicate even if cell service and internet were both out.”

Communication That Doesn’t Quit

During a recent drill, Fell and other members set up a temporary radio station in the HMH parking lot using a simple table, a portable antenna, and a “go-box.” From there, they successfully connected with multiple agencies — including the Walker County Office of Emergency Services, the State Operations Center in Austin, and the national traffic network.

“It’s remarkable what can be done with just a wire and a signal,” Fell said. “In a real emergency, this system could save lives by keeping critical information moving when nothing else works.”

Schorre praised Fell’s dedication, noting that he’s volunteered hundreds of hours over the past six months — including nights and weekends. “Rick’s put his heart into this,” Schorre said. “He’s helped us design, test, and document every step so we can respond quickly if disaster strikes.”

Training the Next Generation of Operators

Beyond emergency operations, the Walker County Amateur Radio Group trains new operators through monthly “ham-cram” courses — one-day licensing sessions open to the public. Held at the Huntsville Municipal Airport, these classes guide participants through the material and help them earn their FCC amateur radio license the same day.

“It’s open to anyone,” Cooper said. “We’ll teach you everything you need to know. Amateur radio is a great way to serve your community.”

The club also operates local repeaters and maintains portable “go kits” ready for deployment during hurricanes, floods, or power outages.

Service, Skill, and Community

The Walker County Amateur Radio Group operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, using donations and volunteer time to improve community safety. The group recently raffled a 150-foot tower donated in memory of Dr. Rathke, using proceeds to purchase new communications equipment and fund local training.

“Every dollar we raise goes right back into the community,” Cooper said. “We’re here to help.”

From small-town volunteers to military veterans and technical professionals, the group represents a blend of skill, service, and heart. Together, they ensure that even when modern technology fails, Walker County won’t be left in the dark.

How to Get Involved

The Walker County Amateur Radio Group meets monthly and welcomes newcomers of all experience levels. Their website, www.wcarg.org, lists upcoming meetings, licensing classes, and contact information.

“Amateur radio isn’t just a hobby,” Cooper said. “It’s a public service that helps keep our community connected when everything else fails.”