June 24, 2001

REACT News
& Press Releases

RADIO HERO AWARD" HONORS INDIANA COP

On June 1, 2001 the first-ever "Radio Hero Award" was given to Sgt. Bill Ward of the Henry County, Indiana Sheriff's department in recognition of his having used his Citizens Band radio in the capture of two suspected murderers.

On January 27, husband and wife professors at Dartmouth College were found murdered in their New Hampshire home. Two Vermont high school students were suspected of the crime and, several weeks later, were believed to be traveling west. Slightly before 4 A.M. on February 19, a truck driver at a Spiceland, Indiana truck stop used his CB radio to broadcast that he had just dropped off two teenage hitchhikers and ask if any other drivers listening were willing to take them further west.

Sgt. Ward, who had been concerned that the suspects might be traveling through Indiana, was monitoring the airwaves using his Cobra CB. When he heard the trucker's broadcast, his suspicions were immediately aroused. Without identifying himself, he radioed back that the teens should wait at the truck stop's fuel desk and that someone would pick them up in a few minutes. He and two fellow officers then confronted the teens and, after receiving questionable responses to several of their inquiries, arrested them. The teens remain in custody in New Hampshire.

This incident, which received nationwide attention, also got the attention of Cobra Electronics, Popular Communications magazine, and REACT International, Inc. These three organizations had been discussing plans to establish a continuing program to recognize individuals who use two-way radios (CB, FRS, and GMRS) to save a life, prevent major injury or property damage, or give direct assistance in the apprehension of wanted criminals. It was decided that Sgt. Ward would be the ideal first recipient of this award.

The program is open to U.S. and Canadian citizens 18 years and older, with a junior category for ages 5 through 17. The latter category was established in response to numerous recently publicized cases of help rendered by young people using FRS radios.

According to Jim Bazet, President and CEO of Cobra Electronics, "We pride ourselves on the ability of our products to enhance the quality of life of our loyal consumers, and we take particular pride in the fact that Sgt. Ward used one of our radios in this most heroic act."

Harold Ort, Editor of Popular Communications comments "Public safety professionals, and ordinary citizens across North America use radio to save lives every day. We intend to give others like Sgt. Ward the national recognition and thanks they deserve. His professionalism and quick-thinking put an end to further violence."

Chuck Thompson, President of REACT International, Inc., adds "This is an idea that is overdue, and REACT is very happy for the acceptance and generous support of our concept by the co-sponsors.

Sgt. Ward was presented a plaque from REACT International, a new CB radio, microphone and antenna from Cobra, and a free subscription from Popular Communications. Cobra also presented CB radios to the two officers who assisted Sgt. Ward in the arrest.

At this time, the "Radio Hero Award" will be presented every six months. Judging will be based on an application form and accompanying documentation to verify the event. Information will be posted on the websites of the co-sponsors www.cobra.com, www.popularcommunications.com, and www.reactintl.org.

The opinions expressed are those of REACT International and are not necessarily the opinions of GMRS Web Magazine or its advertisers. Opinion space on GMRS Web magazine is provided to REACT International free-of-charge as a service to our readers.

Many areas of the country still need REACT'ers even though it only takes 3 people to start a team. Information may be found on the website: http://www.reactintl.org