SWEET VALLEY, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Amateur radio operators can function as a vital backup to emergency service providers when things go wrong.

In February, an Erie HAM radio operator was arrested for broadcasting false weather emergencies such as tornado warnings. The suspect allegedly threatened other operators who asked him to stop.

Richard Wagner of Erie was arrested for allegedly making fake weather reports over radio waves. Although rare occurrences like this can put amateur radio in a bad light.

“A black eye. It’s bad for everyone. There are people who would see that and think that all hams are like that. And they are not. It’s a bad apple,” said Bob Folmar, an HAM radio operator.

False information shared in this way could reach many listeners.

“There are a lot of people with scanners there. The scanners also cover the police and fire department. If they have different radio frequencies tuned in there, they’re going to hear that stuff,” Folmar said.

Fortunately, the waves are well regulated and these situations are rare. HAM radio is always a great backup for emergency situations.

“Especially in bad weather, cell towers go down. Mostly it’s hurricanes and floods and things like that,” Folmar explained.

When they break down, amateur radio operators are ready to help coordinate with local agencies whenever they can.

“They can work with your local police and fire and emergency management agency to make sure the public, first, make sure the public is safe,” Folmar said.

But HAM radio isn’t just for emergencies, it’s a great place for enthusiasts of all career types.

“These people still doing Morse code. There are many people trying to contact other countries. I made a lot of friends and acquaintances through ham radio when you meet people here and there and everything,” Folmar said.

For anyone interested in HAM radio, the Murgas Amateur Radio Club meets the first Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m. at the Luzerne County Emergency Management Building in Wilkes-Barre.