Jennifer Melfi, 13 Year Old Amateur Radio Operator, Received Senate Citation

Senator Owen H. Johnson honored 13 year old amateur radio operator Jennifer Melfi with a Senate Citation for assisting Babylon Town’s emergency operations efforts during Tropical Storm Irene.  Jennifer Melfi received the citation in front of 150 ham radio operators at the Amateur Radio Convention at Briarcliffe College in Bethpage on January 8, 2012. 

“Jennifer Melfi has performed a valuable service to our community and demonstrates that her young age did not prevent her from lending tremendous help during a disaster,” Senator Johnson said.  “I am honored to congratulate this outstanding young lady for her exemplary community service with the Town of Babylon Emergency Operations Center.”

Jennifer Melfi spent 28 hours working a radio at Babylon Town Hall during Tropical Storm Irene, relaying information about shelters and highways to town officials.  She earned her federal license to operate a ham radio at age 9 by following in her father’s footsteps.  John Melfi is President of the Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club.

The Amateur Radio Convention, an annual event referred to as “Ham Radio University” held at Briarcliffe College in Bethpage, was organized by a group of amateur radio clubs.  The event serves as a convention for the American Radio Relay League’s New York City-Long Island Section, one of 71 such sections in the country.


Photo:  Senator Owen H. Johnson with 13 year old ham radio operator Jennifer Melfi and other members of the Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club (GSBARC).  From left to right:  John Melfi, President, GSBARC; Owen H. Johnson, NY State Senator, 4th Senate District; Jay Eichner, Director, GSBARC (seated); Bob Myers, Vice President, GSBARC; Jennifer Melfi; and Frank Cannata (seated).