Citizens band together for REACT Month

Published 9:57 am Monday, May 11, 2015

Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr., center, recently ushered in REACT month with representatives from the group. Pictured above are REACT members Richard Anderson, board of directors; Teresa Raatz; Betty Lou Anderson, treasurer; Richard Lowman, board of directors; Carla Johnson, president; and Leland Johnson, secretary. Members not pictured include Corwin Johnson, vice president, and Gary Anderson, board of directors. – Provided

During the month of May, Southern Minnesota Albert Lea Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team C-143 has been celebrating REACT month.

REACT is an independent, nonprofit public service organization affiliated with REACT International and the members closely abide by the rules set forth by the Federal Communications Commission for the use of Channel 9 which is the emergency channel.

REACT is an organization with groups all over the world in which members participate as volunteers to provide highway safety and emergency communications via citizens band radios.

The group is always ready to assist law enforcement agencies during emergencies.

REACT’s cumulative efforts result in the saving of many lives annually, through the greater speed with which medical aid reaches an accident scene and better communications provided in time of natural disasters.

The local team is also involved in community service through handling communications for a variety of charities such as the Cancer Bike-A-Thon, Fourth of July safety break, April Sorensen Memorial Half Marathon, Big Island Rendezvous and more.

Those who are interested in this volunteer service can call 448-3911 or 383-7635 or send a self-addressed,stamped envelope to P.O. Box 305, Albert Lea, MN 56007.