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why aairo was created |
The American Association of Information Radio Operators or AAIRO is
an unincorporated nonprofit organization, conceived in 2008 after a coalition of public safety,
transportation, university and outdoor recreation officials
informally petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
for the clarification of Travelers Information Station (TIS)
Part 90 Rules. In the era of
post-9/11, America's public safety officials sought to utilize
Information Radio Station technology to further public safety in
ways not previously envisioned by the original rule-writers in the
mid-1970s.
Attorneys informally met with FCC representatives on behalf of the
concerned station owners and subsequently recommended that operators
and licensees supporting the petition could best be served by
organizing into a formal, nonprofit corporation. Bylaws were
enacted for this new, group, along with an edited "Petition for
Ruling" that the group would formally present to the FCC.
As a result of this advice and because those leading the effort
believed other benefits could be gained (as reflected in the above
mission), AAIRO was born. A founding board of directors was created.
A website was established. Operators and licensees from across the
country (beginning with those who had signed the original petition)
were invited to join the new association. Subsequently, the
association was converted into an unincorporated nonprofit with an
advisory board.
See
"The Power of 10 Watts to Protect Millions," published by the
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), which offers
an overview of how and why AAIRO was formed (written by AAIRO's
founder Bill Baker, July 2008). |
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advisory board |
 Bill
Baker
In addition to
founding AAIRO in 2008, Bill founded Information
Station Specialists, in operation since 1983.
Information
Station Specialists is the primary supplier of
AM information radio equipment and services to federal,
state and local government-sponsored entities across the
United States. Bill's energies have helped advance
information radio technology to better accommodate
motorist-safety needs in a world of constantly increasing
traffic and emergencies. He is a member of several trade
organizations and is active in faith-based efforts. |
 Rich
Phoenix
For over 30 years, Rich served as a municipal clerk in the
State of New Jersey. During that time (as media rep,
licensed radio technician and LEPC member), he helped the
North Plainfield Borough Emergency Management Department
acquire and manage an information radio station. In the
1980s, Rich had managed Emmett Recording Enterprises and
served as PR coordinator for Plainfield New Jersey Public
Schools, utilizing his writing, photography and media
relations expertise. He had also directed, presented,
written, interviewed, produced and performed technical
engineering duties for ABC Radio Networks WERA, WRAN, WCTC,
WHWH, WJDM WKSU, WAKR and WSLR. Rich holds a BA from Kent
State University and did post graduate studies at the
University of Houston and at Rutgers , in addition to having
more than 60 years' experience as a radio broadcaster,
programmer and engineer. He speaks fluent Spanish, which is
also useful in radio programming. |
 Jeff
Braun
As executive director of Brazoria County Emergency Services
District 3 in Texas, Jeff's strategy is to collaborate,
communicate and significantly enhance the District's fire
suppression and emergency medical response services over the
District's 650 square miles. He also consults. Earlier, when
working for Fort Bend County, Jeff was named 2006 Emergency
Manager of the Year by the Emergency Management Association
of Texas (EMAT) for establishing a countywide PIO network,
creating a countywide Debris Management Plan, installing an
ALERT AM Advisory Radio System, deploying two regional
Haz/Mat Response Teams and developing a state-of-the-art
EOC. Jeff holds memberships in several professional
organizations and was elected to the EMAT Board. He also
served on the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Regional
Homeland Security Coordinating Committee, the Regional
Collaboration Committee of the Houston Urban Area Security
Initiative Working Group and was appointed to the Texas
Preparedness Advisory Committee by the State’s Chief of
Emergency Management. |
 Steve
Whitcomb
Steve holds an undergraduate degree from Indiana University
and a master’s degree in computer information systems from
Grand Valley State University. He first learned the
importance of good communication and emergency preparedness
while serving on an aircraft carrier in the US Navy in the
1980s. Then, for a decade beginning in the 90s, he worked
with Bill Baker and the team at Information Station
Specialists. Since that time, Steve, as either an employee
or consultant, has worked in information technology for
firms of varying sizes in multiple sectors, with AI being
his current focus. Steve is interested in amateur radio for
both enjoyment and for emergency applications and has become
an Extra Class license holder (WG5TX). Over the years, Steve
has volunteered at non-commercial radio stations (including
a stint as station manager) and with amateur radio clubs. He
has also become active as an adult leader in the Boy Scouts
of America and is the proud father of two eagle scouts. |
 Ron
Burke
For over 30
years, Ron has worked in nearly all aspects of
amateur radio -- with a special interest in
emergency communications. As Hendricks County
Indiana Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
Emergency Coordinator KB9DJA, Ron established new
working relationships among special teams of local
amateur radio operators and County public
safety/public service groups in the towns and
hospitals within the County. He designed special
training exercises for the HAMs, local government
and hospital personnel to demonstrate how amateur
radio could benefit the County during disasters.
Using special grants, he acquired HAM radios that
were placed inside County hospitals to be linked
together with the County Health Department during
disasters. In addition, Ron helped County Health
acquire, set up and run a new RadioSTAT portable AM
radio station during the COVID epidemic. Hendricks
County now also boasts a RadioSAFE wide area radio
system. |
 Mike
Williams
After 12+ years in California law enforcement, Mike became a
POST-certified field training officer and, for 10+ years,
served as a lead instructor for the National Traffic Safety
Institute. He was twice chair of the Santa Barbara Chapter
of the American Society for Industrial Security. Since 1994,
he has been a member of the California State Firefighters
Association and served on volunteer and PR committees.
Moreover, he was southern division deputy director for the
Association. He is also founder/coordinator of the annual
CSFA-sponsored HELOPS program. Locally, Mike serves on the
Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council, the Tri-Counties
Training Officers Association, the Santa Barbara Chapter of
CAER and PIO group EPIC. Mike is a well-known public speaker
on the topic of security and emergency planning. He has long
managed an information radio station with flashing signs
used to inform travelers during California wildfire
emergencies. Mike was also a governor appointee to the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection,
Office of the State Fire Marshal, State Board of Fire
Services. Now he is executive director/president of the
Wildland Residents Association/San Marcos Pass Volunteer
Fire Department and president of Williams Security Systems. |
 Linda
Folland
Linda developed communication programs at Herman Miller,
Inc., a world-renown industrial design leader based in
Zeeland, Michigan. She also served as a Creative Services
team leader at Amway headquarters in Ada, Michigan,
implementing a digital photo archive for global internet
sales. Linda now manages communication resources at
Michigan-based Information Station Specialists, Inc, the
primary supplier of Travelers Information Stations in the
United States. Linda also serves as secretary / treasurer
and webmaster for the American Association of Information
Radio Operators. |
 Jim
Zoss
As the former emergency program manager in Battle Creek,
Michigan, Jim headed efforts to provide mitigation planning,
preparedness, response, and recovery for emergencies and/or
disasters within the City. Other responsibilities included
managing a countywide communications and public warning
infrastructure, severe weather identification, detection,
and reporting program, search and rescue team activities,
and deployment and coordination of the City's Mobile Command
Center (HIPPO). Jim also managed 3 information radio
stations that cover the river valley in which the City is
situated as well as an 18-mile stretch of nearby Interstate
94. Jim now directs emergency efforts for the Nottawaseppi
Huron Band of the Potawatomi in Michigan. |
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