Seeking Community Support for Amateur Operator WA7CQ

Hello, fellow operators,

I’m reaching out to share a situation involving WA7CQ, an Extra-class amateur radio operator, who is facing a $34,000 fine imposed by the FCC. This stems from unauthorized transmissions during a wildfire incident in 2021. While the intent may have been to assist first responders, the actions unfortunately violated FCC regulations, resulting in this significant penalty.

The fine represents a substantial financial burden, and as members of the amateur radio community, I believe we can come together to discuss ways to offer support. This is an opportunity to show compassion and solidarity while reflecting on the importance of responsible and lawful operation.

How Can We Help?:

At this stage, I’m looking for community input on how best to proceed. Some potential ideas include:

•Organizing a fundraiser to help offset the fine.

•Exploring legal resources to mitigate the financial impact.

•Using this situation as a learning opportunity to educate operators on maintaining compliance in emergencies.

Why This Matters:

The amateur radio community is built on shared values of education, mutual aid, and respect for the rules that govern our operations. Supporting WA7CQ in this moment is not about condoning the actions but recognizing that mistakes happen and offering a hand to someone in need.

Your Thoughts?:

I’d love to hear your feedback. What do you think would be the most constructive way for us to provide support? Please share your ideas and thoughts in the comments.

Thank you for taking the time to engage with this post and for helping maintain the strength of our amateur radio community.

73, u/SharkSapphire