AFC, APCO’s frequency coordination department, is pleased to introduce its network of dedicated local advisor volunteers. APCO’s advisors are responsible for frequency coordination in their home state and we would like to bring awareness and recognition to the dedication they exhibit on a daily basis. Please feel free to reach out to our local advisors with any questions dealing with FCC Part 90 licensing and frequency coordination.

Ben Russell became APCO’s local advisor for Pennsylvania in January of 2015. While his day job as an aquatic biologist seemingly has little to do with radio, the program he works with has air to ground communications needs when working with helicopters. Mr. Russell first got involved with radio helping to guide his program to solutions that fit the need. He later got involved in the volunteer fire service in 2002 and began assisting his fire company with FCC licensing needs. Since that time, he has also gotten involved in additional public safety duties participating as a member of hazmat response teams in both Chester and Montgomery counties outside Philadelphia, PA. Mr. Russell is also a licensed amateur radio operator, although he rarely finds the time to get on the air since spending time with his wife and two children fills in most of his remaining “free time”. The airwaves will still be around at retirement.