The Importance of Amateur Radio

We've come to rely on commercial telephone companies and, most of the time, our ability to communicate isn't hindered. But when a catastrophic event occurs that affects an entire community, police and fire communications may also go down. A community-wide communication failure may result in loss of life because calls to rescuers are not possible. Fortunately, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods and terrorist attacks like 9/11 are not common but, when such events happen and all other communication modes fail, there is one communication mode that always works . . . amateur radio.

Why does amateur radio work when commercial and government systems don't?

Amateur radio systems do not rely on commercial communications systems. Each amateur has their radio, antenna and power supply and is able to communicate with other amateurs within seconds of a community-wide communications failure.

How do I join the Bloomington Communcations Group?

If you are a licensed amateur radio operator and are interested in joining the Bloomington Communications Group, please complete the form on the contact page; include your call sign in the comment field. All BCG members undergo a background check by the Bloomington Police Department.

Community Special Events

The Bloomington Communications Group assists the City and volunteer organizations at events like SummerFete, National Night Out, and River Rendezvous.

Summer Fete

Summer Fete is Bloomington's Independence Day celebration; celebrated on July 3rd. This event features good food which is available for purchase. The kids can enjoy a special play area which is on the corner of 84th and Normandale. There are also displays by the Bloomington Police and Fire departments. Bloomington Sister City organization and the City Council also have tents.

The BCG provides the Police Department with additional eyes, ears and feet at this event. By patroling the area with our portable radios, we are able to quickly communicate with emergency personnel if someone needs help. We are easy to spot in our bright goldenrod shirts and BCG caps. Look for us at the 2009 event!

National Night Out

Bloomington was a national award-winner for outstanding participation in last year's National Night Out crime, drug and violence prevention program. Our city was recognized as the seventh-best in the nation among cities with populations from 50,000 to 99,999. More than 300 police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency communication volunteers visited the 350 neighborhood parties that registered in 2007.

National Night Out is designed to: 1) heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, 2) generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs, 3) strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and 4) send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

River Rendezvous

This wonderful festival is a chance to experience living history at the Pond-Dakota Misson Park in Bloomington, Minnesota. Its goal is to demonstrate the lifestyles of people living in Minnesota between 1830 and 1870 through story-telling and interactive, hands-on demonstration!

This event is held annually in September. It is a favorite with the kids. Since many children attend this event, the BCG is on hand to help keep the kids safe.