Mesa County ARES (MCARES) is a part of Colorado ARES Region 9. We’re designated Region 9 District 4 (R9D4), which covers all of Mesa County. In Colorado, all ARES districts operate under the direction of Section Emergency Coordinator James Cizek KIØKN and in Northwest Colorado under the Region 9 Emergency Coordinator (Chip Ferron NØWKR).
Mesa County ARES was started in 2018, after the last ARES group disbanded more than 20 years earlier. Chip Ferron NØWKR reconstituted the ARES presence to provide a team of amateur radio operators who were interested in public service communication. Since that time, we have signed up almost 30 active members as well as other members on the rolls who participate as needed. MCARES has Memoranda of Understanding (MOU’s) with Mesa County and through Colorado ARES and the ARRL, with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Civil Air Patrol and many others to assist with communication in natural disasters, emergencies and relief.
Mesa County ARES incorporated as a Colorado State-chartered non-profit corporation in January 2023, and obtained IRS-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit status in November, 2023.