The Kanawha County EOC receives $50,000 in state funds for Amateur Radio gear to equip a station with the governor's late father's call sign.

West Virginia Section Manager Hal Turley, KC8FS (center), accepts a check for $50,000 from West Virginia Governor Bob Wise (left). Looking on is Kanawha County Commissioner Kent Carper, W8CHS. [West Virginia Governor's Office, photo]

Gov Wise (left) listens to a 2 meter transmission from WA8AYP, operated by Bill Hunter, K8BS. Listening with the governor is West Virginia Section Emergency Coordinator Mac McMillian, W8XF. [Hal Turley, KC8FS, photo]

A reporter from Charleston's WCHS-AM 580 interviews Patrick Clark, KC8BFD, of Elkview, West Virginia. [Hal Turley, KC8FS, photo]

It's not often one sees the governor of a state at a loss for words. Upon learning that the call sign of his late father, Robert Wise Sr, WA8AYP, was going to be used by the ham radio station in the new Kanawha County Metro Emergency Operations Center in Charleston, West Virginia, Governor Bob Wise quietly said, "I don't know quite what to say."

In a special ceremony in his office at the State Capitol in Charleston on February 17, Governor Wise prepared to give a state check for $50,000 to Kanawha County officials for the purchase of Amateur Radio gear to be used in the new 911 center, which is to be completed by Spring 2005. However, he was interrupted by a voice calling him on the ham radio set up in his office for the event. The voice was that of control operator Bill Hunter, K8BS, identifying the station as WA8AYP. When handed the mike, the surprised governor responded, "This is the son of WA8AYP."

It was then the governor found out that the call sign of his father, who died in 1986, had been secured for the ham station at the new EOC. It was an emotional moment. "Thank you very much for remembering Dad," he said. "I can't think of anything that would make him happier." He also quipped, "Do I get a QSL card for this?"

To the governor's surprise, officials then unveiled a specially designed WA8AYP QSL card and passed out copies, which were later signed by the governor for the eager hams in attendance. "I am very partial to Amateur Radio operators because one put the bread on the table when I was growing up!" Wise commented.

ARRL West Virginia Section Manager Hal Turley, KC8FS, accepted the $50,000 check on behalf of the Kanawha County Commission. Commission President Kent Carper, W8CHS, said Amateur Radio operators provide the county with $25,000 to $30,000 a year in free services during disasters, so it's appropriate that the new 911 center be properly equipped with ham radio gear. The money will also be used for Amateur Radio equipment in a new county Mobile Command Center.

Something Here

Carper helped organize the standing room only event in the Governor's Reception Room. In attendance were approximately 75 hams; police, fire and EMS personnel; dignitaries and guests. Among the hams present was the West Virginia Legislature's only ham radio operator, Kanawha County Delegate Sharon Spencer, KC8KVF, who also serves as the section's Affiliated Club Coordinator. Three local network television stations, Charleston newspapers and several radio stations covered the event.

Governor Wise is a former member of the US House of Representatives and has always been a strong supporter of Amateur Radio. The May 1993 edition of QST featured an editorial that outlined then-Congressman Wise's efforts to ensure continued ham radio access to 220 MHz in light of business interests wanting the band. The editorial, by David Sumner, K1ZZ, stated: "And let us never forget the contribution of Rep. Bob Wise. If we get the band, we ought to christen it with the name by which the idea has been known around here for the past four years: 'The Wise Compromise'." Governor Wise supported West Virginia amateurs in 2002 when he signed into law antenna legislation introduced by Spencer.

Text of a Resolution by the Kanawha County, West Virginia Commission: WHEREAS, the community of amateur radio operators is a vital member of the emergency services community in emergencies near and far; and WHEREAS, a total of 650 people in Kanawha County alone are certified ham radio operators, with a total of 5000 statewide; and WHEREAS, the Ned Chilton 911 Center and Kanawha County Unified Mobile Command Post are key advancements in the region's ability to protect and serve the public when they need help the most; and WHEREAS, the amateur radio equipment is an essential component for both the 911 Center and the Mobile Command Post to provide emergency communications even when other communications systems fail; and WHEREAS, the call sign WA8AYP belonged to a veteran of emergency communications here in Kanawha County, Mr. Robert Wise Sr. of Clendenin; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, this date, February 17, 2004, that Metro 911 of Kanawha County declares that the call sign to be used at the Ned Chilton 911 Center and in the Kanawha County Unified Mobile Command Post be WA8AYP in honor of Robert Wise Sr. Presented by: W. Kent Carper, President Kanawha County Commission and Metro 911 of Kanawha County

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