Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams

Lore & Background

REACT was founded in April 1962 after Henry B. (Pete) Kreer, inspired by a sick infant, a disabled car, and a blizzard in Chicago, envisioned using CB radio to summon help. Hallicrafters Radio sponsored the founding, with Kreer as executive director. In 1967, REACT approached the FCC for a designated CB emergency channel, and in 1970, CB Channel 9 was officially designated the 'Emergency and Travelers' Assistance Channel.' That same year, the Ohio REACT Network was created, working with the Ohio State Highway Patrol to demonstrate CB-9's highway safety potential, and REACT signed its first Memorandum of Understanding with the American Red Cross. Over the decades, REACT expanded its scope. In 1977, it launched the 'Safety Break' program with the American Trucking Associations and developed the NEAR safety program for the U.S. government. REACT assisted in introducing the Family Radio Service in 1984. The organization signed MOUs with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and National Weather Service in 1993. REACT teams responded to major disasters including the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the 2001 World Trade Center attack, and Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. REACT's structure is decentralized: each team functions within a limited locale. Teams provide parking control, search and rescue support, assistance at large public events, highway safety breaks, and support for local emergency management and law enforcement. Some participate in the Skywarn storm spotter program. The organization's objectives include 24-hour volunteer monitoring of emergency calls, promoting transportation safety, coordinating with groups like the Red Cross, and participating in citizen crime prevention programs.

Reader's Guide

REACT's significance lies in its pioneering role in harnessing personal radio services for public safety and community service, long before such technologies became widespread. By establishing a dedicated CB emergency channel and training volunteers to monitor it, REACT created a grassroots network that could assist motorists and respond to disasters when traditional communications were unavailable. The organization's evolution from CB-only to incorporating amateur, FRS, GMRS, MURS, trunked, and business band radio reflects its adaptability to changing radio technologies.

REACT's legacy includes formal partnerships with major organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, National Weather Service, and ARRL, demonstrating its integration into the broader emergency response ecosystem. Its 'Safety Break' program with the American Trucking Associations and the NEAR program for the U.S. government show its influence on highway safety initiatives. The organization received the first U.S. President's Volunteer Action Award in 1982, highlighting its volunteer-driven model. REACT also contributed to the introduction of FRS and has hosted ARRL's flagship station W1AW at HamCom events. Through its training modules, newsletters, and Radio Hero Awards, REACT has sustained a culture of skilled volunteerism that continues to support communities during both planned events and emergencies.