The Kirkland ARES Team was established in 1995 at the request of the Emergency Preparedness Division of the Fire & Building Department, and is a component of the Greater Kirkland Citizen Corps Council.

The purpose of the ARES Team is to provide the City of Kirkland with an independent, volunteer supported communications system.  This system supplements the Fire Department and other systems normally in place.  It is activated by City authorities in the event of local or area-wide events requiring additional communications capability.  While communications within the City have priority, contacts with other cities, counties, and the State of Washington will also be provided as relevant to the event.

The Kirkland ARES Team is a non-profit, all volunteer, community service organization that exists under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 118-04 guidelines of the Emergency Worker Program.  Membership is open to individuals with an interest in providing vital emergency communications support to the community during a disaster or emergency situation, and have a Technician License or higher.  Members must be registered as State Emergency Workers and submit to a criminal history and driving record background checks before participation.

Monthly ARES Team training meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 1900 hours, at City Hall or one of the Fire Stations. For more information, please contact: Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Stephanie Day.

Interested in joining the ARES team? 

First, please submit a City of Kirkland Volunteer Application. The application can be found here:

• Volunteer Application

Second, download and complete the following forms:

• Emergency Worker Supplemental Form
• King County Amateur Radio Service/RACES Application for Membership
• Background Check Release
• RCW Disclosure Form

    City of Kirkland
    Fire and Building Department, Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
    123 5^th Ave
    Kirkland, WA 98033