[AARA] Keith Barnes W5KB - Silent Key

[Herman Campbell]

*_For Immediate Release_*

*    The death of Keith Barnes W5KB has removed from our midst a true 
and trusted member of the emergency communications and public safety 
community.*
***    Joining the ARRL in 1981 as a young ham, Keith found his niche in 
emergency communications.

****His wise words of  good consul and leadership will be missed.*
**
*Jim*
*Louisiana SEC
**
*
*Keith's Accomplishments *

*AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE (ARRL) **Member 1981 - 2023*
*    Assistant Director (Delta Division) 2011 – 2023*
*    DXCC, WAS*

*AMERICAN RED CROSS**1999 – 2002*
*Information Technology Manager (Salary) / Communications Incident 
Center Coordinator (Volunteer)*

  * Quickly transformed vacant buildings into temporary operations
    centers during Hurricanes Lily and Iris: wiring phone lines, cabling
    WAN and LAN, setting up computer stations, and working with Ham
    Radio Operators to establish communications among responding
    agencies and municipalities.

*ORLEANS PARISH CRIMINAL SHERIFF'S OFFICE 2002 – 2007*
*Commissioned Deputy Sheriff / Communications Dispatch Operator*

  * Remained at work for 7 days during Hurricane Katrina, moving inmates
    to upper floors during rising waters, in a building with no
    electricity, running water, food, or other amenities. Safely
    relocated inmates to a highway overpass on Day 5 and then to another
    correctional facility.

*LOUISIANA REGION ONE AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY 
                         COMMITTEE**    Co-Founder * *    2006 – 2012*

  * Brought together 21 service agencies, and integrated amateur radio
    operators into emergency management plans based on needs and
    shortcomings realized during Hurricane Katrina.
  * Built relationships with local Sheriff's offices, hospitals, fire
    departments, the US Coast Guard, state and local municipalities, and
    various Homeland Security offices.

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*From Gary Stratton K5GLS, on December 18, 2007*

After meeting with the Greater New Orleans Amateur Radio Emcomm 
Committee (GNOARECC) on December 3, 2007 and reviewing the emergency 
plans of participating groups I find that GNOARECC has made amazing 
progress in planning, leading and organizing the Amateur Radio community 
in the region since the devastation of Katrina

GNOARECC, under the leadership of Keith Barnes W5KB, and the Jefferson 
Amateur Radio Club has made significant progress in the following, but 
not all-inclusive, areas:

 1. Organizing and obtaining equipment to provide emergency
    communications between the major hospitals in the region.
 2. Setting up emergency operations centers in support of operating
    infrastructure in the region.
 3. Coordination with regional OHSEP emergency operations centers.
 4. Coordination of operating frequencies and protocols for EMCOMM for
    interregional and intraregional communications.
 5. Identifying Amateur Radio personnel to organize and lead operations
    at specific need areas.
 6. Providing regularly scheduled meetings at various locations of all
    interested parties in the region.

I personally commend Barnes and the GNOARECC for the work that they have 
accomplished.

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*UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY – Flotilla 45 2006 – 2015*
*    Flotilla Staff Officer (Plank Holder - founding member)*

  * Demonstrated the need for trained emergency communicators when all
    other methods fail. As a result, many USCGA have added ham radio
    operators to assist in disasters.

*LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
**2006 – 2023*

*Communications Volunteer *
*    Jefferson Amateur Radio Club *
*    Club President 2006 - 2012 *
*    Chairman VEC 2008 – 2015*

Recognized as an ARRL Special Service Club for going above and beyond 
standard requirements.

  * Obtained major funding and equipment donations to rebuild facility
    that was destroyed by Katrina.

Standing: Martin KF5CJU, Keith W5KB

*City of Kenner Emergency Management Planning Committee 2006 – 2014*
*Member*
*    Matthews Consulting Group for BP LLC) 2011 – 2013*
*Communications Consultant*

  * Coordinated marine efforts with deployed vessels and land teams
    during the BP Gulf Oil Spill Cleanup.

*Washington Parish Communications District**2012 – 2023*
*Communications Volunteer *



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