Here is more recent activity from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) ACS unit mentioned in the last bulletin.
Training activities:a H-80 Helicopter was brought for insight into the communications system on the helicopter.
A Caltrans (state transportation) district superintendent explained how the ACS unit could help during periods of adverse highway conditions, especially those caused by weather. At another meeting an explanation of a particular state highway unit site (Caltrans), along with its history and operation, was provided as the ACS operators will be involved from that site during snow or other operations involving that particular area.
Community activities: a local business person committed to funding the purchase of safety/identification vests for the unit, as well as assist in obtaining funding for radios for the control center at the unit office.
Shown a video on how Caltrans and CHP conduct traffic control in the area of the unit during adverse highway conditions.
ACS unit participants were invited to join in a local group to participate in some of the fun activities with the CHP officers.
Operations: during the fire season an en-route fire truck lost a fan belt. An ACS unit participant used the radio to locate a new part and guide the truck to the repair point. Several Weather Watch mobiles and fixed were activated during storms.
This CHP unit is one of the best organized ever witnessed, partially due to the expertise of the CHP ACS coordinator and the CHP practice of easy-to-use records and management practices. Each mission/incident is described in writing with its location, coordination, volunteers, assignments time in/off, whether standby or active, and total hours per participant, and total hours expended on the mission.
The unit has been so successful another CHP unit nearby has decided to form a similar unit.
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