In Memoriam

Joseph Chwick, AC4TV

The South Florida community of Amateur Radio Operators was saddened on Monday, October tenth, by the passing of Joe Chwick to “Silent Key.”  Although 84 years old, Joe maintained the attitude and actions of a much younger man, until being overcome with illness in the last months of his life.  Joe served as "Elmer" to dozens, if not hundreds, of hams, conducting training classes for all licenses – Technician to Extra Class – at the Jewish Community Center and the County Emergency Operations Center, in Miami-Dade County.  Joe did this at no cost to the student and without compensation.  And, as a certified RACES and ARES Radio Operator, as well as a Community Emergency Response Team Member, Joe provided special on-air training sessions to qualify the network controllers for emergency network operations and special events.

A dedicated Radio Merit Badge counselor, Joe volunteered his services to the Annual Merit Badge College of the Boy Scouts of America.  He was one of the organizers of Citizens' Ham Mobile/Marine Patrol – cosponsored by the Miami-Dade Police Department, Citizens' and Youth Crime Watch of Miami-Dade, and the South Florida FM Association.  CHAMP serves as a provider of information regarding emergency situations to the County's 911 facilities.  Along with representatives of the Miami-Dade Police department, Joe trained hundreds of Hams in CHAMP communications procedures. 

In summers past, Joe served as a volunteer counselor at the JCC Summer Camp, teaching youngsters about radio as a hobby.  Perhaps it was Joe's patient and motivational manner that has brought so many youngsters and adults into the Amateur Radio community. 

To honor Joe’s memory, the CHAMP Award, presented annually at the Citizens’ Crime Watch Awards Ceremony, in Recognition of Service and Commitment to the Amateur Radio Operators Crime Prevention Program, will now be designated as the

Joseph Chwick Memorial Award

Although a “Silent Key,” Joe’s memory will resonate with Hams for years to come.

                                                          73      Written by Sam, KQ4MR      

"Elmer" Joe doing what he was so good at, teaching future generations about ham radio.

Joe and Lee, N4TCW at the Citizens' Crime Watch CHAMP awards

Joe and David at FD 2002

Joe on the air

Joe in his role as a Volunteer Examiner