TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WV ARES BULLETIN NR 09.36 DATE: September 6, 2009
SUBJECT: "AMATEUR" - TITLE ONLY.
With major losses of communications in the Gulf Coast a few years ago from the hurricanes, Amateur, or Ham Radio, provided some of the backup communications. But Ham Radio doesn't get the respect it deserves, because we are only "Amateurs".
Because the word "Amateur" is used in our Title as Amateur Radio Operators, some agencies, both governmental and business, that provide "Professional" services, often refuse communications assistance from Amateur Radio Operators.
In Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, the word "Amateur" means: (1) DEVOTEE, ADMIRER. (2) One who engages in a pursuit, study, science, or sport as a pastime rather than as a profession (3) one lacking in experience and competence in an art or science. One who follows a pursuit without attaining proficiency or professional status.
When you look up the word "Professional" you will find: (1) of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession (1b) engaged in one of the learned professions (1c) characterized by, or conforming to, the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2a) participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by "amateurs" (2b) engaged in by persons receiving financial return (3) following a line of conduct as though it were a profession.
From these two words, it looks like an "Amateur" is a person that peruses an art or science as a love, hobby, or pastime, rather than a profession or livelihood. By this definition, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's), Volunteer Firemen, many Paramedics, and Reserve Deputy Sheriffs are all "Amateurs". The people in these professions study and train to do the best job they can, and are trusted by the Medical Professionals, State and County Governments, Insurance Companies, and the General Public. They don't do it as a livelihood, or seek financial return.
Then why should "Amateur Radio Operators", who study and train in the field of communications, be any less entrusted to do a professional job?
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
WV ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
WV ARES District 3 Emergency Coordinator