Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM)

Reliable Communications When They Matter Most

Effective communication is the foundation of every emergency response. While Sussex County’s public safety agencies rely on a modern APCO Project 25 (P25) interoperable radio system for daily operations, emergency management also plans for the unexpected. During large-scale disasters, severe weather, prolonged power outages, or incidents that disrupt traditional communications, Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM) provides an additional layer of resilience to help ensure critical information continues to flow.

AUXCOMM is a FEMA and Department of Homeland Security-supported program that integrates trained volunteer communicators into emergency management operations. Working under the direction of Sussex County Emergency Management, AUXCOMM members support emergency communications during incidents, planned events, training exercises, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations.

Why Amateur Radio Still Matters

Modern public safety agencies depend on highly reliable digital radio systems every day. However, no single communication system is immune to every circumstance. Natural disasters, infrastructure failures, network outages, and other unforeseen events can impact normal communications.

Licensed amateur radio operators provide an independent communications capability that operates separately from commercial cellular networks and traditional public safety infrastructure. This additional capability helps strengthen communications resilience by providing backup, supplemental, and interoperable communications when needed, ensuring emergency managers and response partners remain connected.

What AUXCOMM Does

Sussex County AUXCOMM members support Emergency Management by:

  • Assisting during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations
  • Supporting emergency communications during disasters
  • Providing backup and supplemental communications
  • Assisting with planned public events and community activities
  • Participating in emergency exercises and training
  • Supporting interoperable communications between agencies and partner organizations
  • Maintaining readiness through ongoing training and education

All AUXCOMM personnel operate within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) under the direction of Sussex County Emergency Management.