The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club (GSBARC) earned a spot on a plaque honoring first responders and other volunteers who assisted in the wake of the devastating Superstorm Sandy and the nor’easter that followed in the fall of 2012. The Town of Babylon, a township consisting of several communities on Long Island, New York, erected the plaque earlier this fall in Tanner Park in the village of Copiague. The park, which sits on the Great South Bay on Long Island’s south shore, suffered serious damage from the storms.

The plaque reads, “When the Town of Babylon was struck by Superstorm Sandy in the fall of 2012, many residents were exposed to dangerous storm conditions; some of whom were rescued from their homes. These brave men and women were the first to answer the call when their neighbors needed them the most. We thank them for their service and dedicate this plaque to them.”

According to GSBARC spokesman Bob Myers, K2TV, the recognition “came as a complete surprise” to the club, most of whom also belong to the local ARES organization. “They were only carrying out what they felt was expected after the many hours of training and emergency preparedness,” he said. “Having recognition like this serves as validation that they were doing their job.”

ARRL Hudson Division Director Mike Lisenco, N2YBB, thanked the town “for recognizing our efforts” as well as all those GSBARC and ARES members who helped after the storms. “May we keep ever vigilant and prepared as communicators, helping out any way we can,” Lisenco added. He pointed out that GSBARC is the first volunteer organization the plaque lists.