Thursday, January 29, 2026
24 check-insTonight's Question
"Do you have any stories, memories, or moments you'd like to share about John Dudek? Maybe a deployment you worked together, a trick of the trade he taught you, or just a time when he made you laugh?"
If you didn't know John personally: What volunteer or community member has had the biggest impact on your involvement in amateur radio – and how did they inspire you to give back?
In Memoriam: John A. Dudek, KC8CRK
1962 – 2026
Dearborn, Michigan
A True Legend in Amateur Radio Public Service
Tonight we honor the memory of John A. Dudek, KC8CRK, a man whose dedication to volunteer service and amateur radio public service set a standard that few could match. John was well known throughout the ham radio community for the extraordinary amount of time and effort he poured into every event, every deployment, and every logistics challenge that came his way.
John will be sorely missed by the members of ARPSC and the broader amateur radio community. He leaves behind many good friends who will truly miss his presence, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to excellence.
Master of Event Logistics
John helped work at numerous large-scale events and poured over the logistics with a level of detail and dedication that we have found no match for. His contributions included:
- Custom route maps meticulously crafted for Turkey Trots, Boat Races, and other events
- Pre-approved parking passes with assigned positions planned to perfection
- Deployment planning executed with excruciating attention to detail
- Coordination with authorities – working with state and local police jurisdictions to secure parking pass clearance and recognition
Grace Under Pressure
What truly set John apart was his remarkable ability to pivot on demand. He could accommodate scheduling changes and route modifications with little to no notice – a trait rarely found in anyone, let alone someone managing such complex operations.
To plan all those intricate logistics while remaining flexible, never losing his cool in such a high-output position – that's a skill that takes years to develop and tremendous character to maintain. John did it time after time, accomplishing what seemed impossible.
The Weight of Responsibility
A lot rests on the shoulders of a man like John Dudek, yet he shrugged it off and delivered results consistently. His responsibilities included:
- Managing volunteer staff – coordinating dozens of amateur radio operators at events
- Multi-agency coordination – working with state police, local police departments, and event organizers simultaneously
- Satisfying stakeholder requests – ensuring personnel requesting assistance got exactly what they needed
- Public safety – maintaining the safety of volunteers and the general public alike
The depth of effort and planning involved in events of this magnitude is monumental. Finding people willing to put in that much effort into their local community – especially on a volunteer basis – is exceedingly rare.
Carrying the Torch Forward
It is up to us to pick up where John left off and pioneer forward with John directing us from "behind the scenes." His legacy lives on in every well-planned event, every coordinated deployment, and every volunteer who goes the extra mile because they remember what John taught us: excellence is not optional – it's the standard.
Net Control Discussion Points:
- Share a memory of John or how his work impacted an event you participated in
- What lessons from John's approach can we apply to our own volunteer work?
- How can we honor his legacy by maintaining the standards he set?
- Who are the mentors and volunteers who have shaped your amateur radio journey?
"John didn't just volunteer – he pioneered. He didn't just plan – he perfected."
Rest in peace, John. 73 and silent key.
Announcements
🚨 Warren Warming Center Support – January 23–26!
Warren Emergency Management has requested ARPSC assistance to help staff a warming center at Owen Jax Recreation Center in Warren from Friday, January 23rd through Monday, January 26th, 2026. Shifts run 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM each day.
Learn More & Sign Up☕ ARPSC Breakfast Meetup – February 8th!
Join us for breakfast at Main Street Grill in New Haven on Sunday, February 8th at 8:30 AM. Everyone is welcome – members, prospective members, and anyone curious about ARPSC. No RSVP needed!
Event Details💚 Support ARPSC – Multiple Ways to Give
Please consider supporting Macomb County ARPSC! We have several easy ways to donate, including the Kroger Community Rewards program – you can support us just by shopping at Kroger at no extra cost to you! Check out all the ways you can help.
View Donation OptionsCheck-In List
| # | Call Sign | Name | City | Member |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KC8CRK | John | DEARBORN | — |
| 2 | KE8LAX | Dean | New Haven | Member |
| 3 | KE8WUO | John | Warren | Member |
| 4 | N8VDZ | Mike | Warren | Member |
| 5 | W8VOX | Jon | Macomb | Member |
| 6 | KC8KJO | Tom | Memphis | Member |
| 7 | 15/N8HAP | Joe | New Baltimore | — |
| 8 | KF8DPZ | Cliff | Clinton Township | Member |
| 9 | KE4ZYQ | Joe | Clinton Township | Member |
| 10 | K8WA | Bill | Warren | Member |
| 11 | K8ACW | Arthur | KEY LARGO | — |
| 12 | N8XZ | Ron | Warren | Member |
| 13 | KF8ETQ | Darren | Fraser | Member |
| 14 | K8JTA | Jason | Saint Clair Shores | Member |
| 15 | N8WCB | David | Sterling Heights | Member |
| 16 | KC8BDK | Paul | Clinton Twp | Member |
| 17 | 10/N8WRO | Tim | Richmond | — |
| 18 | 1/KE8YNU | Dave | New Haven | — |
| 19 | W8VD | Wally | New Baltimore | Member |
| 20 | 21/AD8OD | John | Troy | — |
| 21 | 27/N8BZR | Brian | Harrison Township | — |
| 22 | KE8UMW | Joseph | Harper Woods | — |
| 23 | N8WRN | Gary | Utica | — |
| 24 | KA8UHG | Steve | Saint Clair Shores | Member |