From the ARRL Iowa Section:

 

Polk County amateur radio operators — commonly
known as “hams” — were presented with the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer
Award by Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today in a ceremony at Southeast
Polk High School. As part of the amateur radio hobby, operators give
back to their community by providing communications support to these
events and agencies at no cost as part of the Polk County Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES). Amateur radio operators purchase, build, and
maintain equipment and infrastructure on their own to support the
mission of Polk County ARES in addition to receiving professional
training and participating in exercises on their own time as unpaid
volunteers.

Polk County ARES was nominated for the award by Polk County Emergency
Management Agency. The two organizations have a long-standing
relationship, working together to train and prepare to assist in the
event of a disaster of if main communications systems fail, such as
public safety two-way radio systems, cellular or landline phone
systems, or 9-1-1 public safety answering points.

“We are appreciative of the relationship we have with Polk County EMA,
and honored that they value our partnership to the extent that they
nominated us for this award,” Polk County ARES Coordinator Scott
Kirstein said. “These volunteers are truly an exceptional group and I
am proud to be associated with them.”

The Governor’s Volunteer Awards program was created in 1982.
Nominations can be made by Iowa non-profit, charitable, and government
organizations to honor local volunteers with a prestigious state-level
recognition award. The criteria for organizations and individuals
receiving the award includes demonstrating an exceptional commitment to
volunteerism by helping with a special project or ongoing activities;
demonstrating exemplary leadership, creativity, cooperation and hard
work in their service to others; or making an outstanding contribution
to state or community through volunteer service.