Garland, TX – I recently sat down with Kevin Canady, KG5JPL, the Radio Officer of the Garland Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (R.A.C.E.S). Established in 1976 and authorized by the City’s Office of Emergency Management, this important local group comprises volunteer amateur radio operators dedicated to providing supplemental communications during emergencies. Each volunteer must complete at least 18 training sessions a year and must be prepared to respond around the clock should an emergency arise. While the service demands a significant commitment, these volunteers play an important role in serving the City of Garland and beyond.
R.A.C.E.S. provides services beyond emergency communications; while that is the group’s primary focus, they are also responsible for monitoring monthly siren tests to ensure that the city’s emergency sirens are functioning properly. They also help to maintain city-owned radio equipment, including a 100-foot portable telescoping radio tower on a trailer, ensuring it’s ready for emergencies. Additionally, the volunteers provide communication assistance during major city events.
To operate an amateur radio, users must be licensed, which entails passing a test for, at a minimum, the Technician level. Many of the operators in R.A.C.E.S. are Technicians; the primary focus for that license is understanding the laws radio operators must abide by. “This is a great opportunity to learn more about the ham hobby and help support the community,” Canady shares. He also pointed out the importance of community engagement, adding that “we’re always hoping to encourage anyone in the community with an interest in ham radio to get involved.”
During our meeting, Canady shared insights about the current state of R.A.C.E.S. The group currently comprises approximately 40 members, all of whom are men. Canady is eager to see more diversity in the organization to help the group sustain, stating, “We’re hoping to open our doors wider to anyone interested, particularly women and younger individuals.” Before my interview with Canady, I spoke to another volunteer, who was also eager to share the resources that helped him become a licensed operator. The R.A.C.E.S. volunteers are not only ready around the clock in case of emergencies, but they are also more than willing to help interested people get started.
The Garland Amateur Radio Club, Inc., formed in 1957, works closely with R.A.C.E.S by offering educational and civic activities in what is the second-largest city in Dallas County. They provide license classes and operate the Garland Amateur Radio Communications Center located in downtown Garland—the very facility R.A.C.E.S uses as its base of operations.
Canady went on to explain that many members own extensive equipment, often exceeding his own setup. For instance, “Some of our members have mobile radios in their vehicles, while I have a smaller setup that suits my needs,” he noted. R.A.C.E.S. volunteers act as storm spotters and should be capable of self-sustaining for three days away from home during emergencies.
As we discussed the training and responsibilities expected of R.A.C.E.S. appointees, Canady elaborated on the importance of preparation: “We encourage all members to stay ready for any unscheduled call-ups. We’ve learned the hard way that emergencies can strike when least expected.” He recounted responses to past events, including tornadoes in 2015 and 2019, as well as the winter storm of 2021, where communication became essential when conventional systems faltered.
In Canady’s words, “When the National Weather Service alerts us during severe weather, we are activated to provide immediate ground-level information. They rely on us to provide real-time accounts of what’s occurring.” He emphasized the R.A.C.E.S.’s role as “the ‘Mark One Eyeball,’ focusing on what is happening on the ground.”
Garland’s emergency communications system is built on collaboration between organizations, as many R.A.C.E.S. members are also part of the Garland Amateur Radio Club (GARC). This partnership allows them to utilize GARC’s resources while R.A.C.E.S. handles the operational side during emergencies. The central station where they meet has been equipped with a multitude of antennas that lengthen the reach well beyond the state of Texas.
Looking toward the future, Canady expressed optimism about community involvement, urging anyone interested in amateur radio to reach out. With ongoing training opportunities and the upcoming Skywarn training sessions, there are numerous ways for individuals to become involved, learn, and prepare for future emergencies. The next Skywarn training will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Holford Rec Center.
For anyone interested in learning about amateur radio and supporting local emergency services, the R.A.C.E.S. organization provides an invaluable community resource. Their enthusiasm for this important work makes it clear that these volunteers are more than just radio operators; they are vital links in the emergency communications chain, ready to respond when called upon.
