Palisades Residents Put Emergency Radio Training to the Test During Enchanted Way Drill

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — More than 40 volunteers participated in an emergency preparedness drill on Enchanted Way on Sept. 27, putting into practice radio communications training supported by American Legion Post 283.

The RYLAN drill was held in partnership with the Los Angeles Emergency Management Department, American Legion Post 283 and the American Red Cross as part of National Preparedness Month.

Jodie Rea said the group learned during the exercise that it could establish direct communication with the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center.

“We gained critical insights into emergency preparedness for upcoming weather challenges and successfully learned we could establish direct communication with the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center,” Rea said in an email. “This milestone demonstrated the real value of Hank’s training to all observers and local residents present.”

Rea said she, Josie Tong and her co-captain Cathi Ruddy have worked continuously to prepare Enchanted Way for emergencies since the fires of Jan. 7, 2025.

American Legion Sons Squadron 283 member Hank Wright. Photo by Rich Schmitt.

A core radio group, with guidance from Sons of The American Legion member Hank Wright and support from Tiffany Tong, has conducted regular weekly walkie-talkie drills throughout 2026.

Wright, who serves with the LAFD Auxiliary Communications Service, has also led monthly radio communication classes supported by Post 283.

“Hank Wright's monthly Radio Communication classes, sponsored by Post 283, have been invaluable,” Rea said.

According to Josie Tong, Wright has worked with local volunteers under the PreparePalisades banner since August 2025. Those volunteers include Rea, Ruddy and Tiffany Tong.

Starting this year, Wright and Michael Sheehy have conducted monthly in-person radio training at the PRC and participated in special preparedness events, including the Sept. 27 drill and a June 13 Preparedness Day event at Casa Gateway at the bottom of Palisades Drive with the Emergency Management Department, Red Cross and CERT.

“Hank has worked diligently behind the scene to establish the radio networks in the Palisades, bring together amateur ham operators with novice walkie-talkie users, participate in the PPCC's Evacuation Advisory Task Force, and promote emergency preparedness in the community,” Tong said in email.

Tong also credited Wright and Sheehy with helping her group learn about Post 283’s support for the local emergency radio network.

“It was through Hank's and Michael's hard work that we learned about the American Legion Post 283's generous support for the local emergency radio network and their ongoing efforts,” Tong said. “To that, we are grateful for the Legion and we look forward to working with you to make the Palisades a safer place for all of us!”

Joe Iacopino, co-lead of the Evacuation Capability Advisory Task Force of the Pacific Palisades Community Recovery Coordination Council, also thanked Post 283 for supporting the Pacific Palisades community and its efforts to recover from the devastation of the Palisades Fire.

“I would like to give a shout out to and express sincere thanks to Hank Wright, who is a member of our Evac ATF, for his contributions and tireless efforts to inform us and the public in regard to emergency radio use and auxiliary communications,” Iacopino said in an email.

Rea said the training has had a significant impact on community preparedness.

“Thank you to American Legion Post 283 and Hank Wright for providing this vital training to the Palisades,” she said. “It significantly enhances our community's ability to prepare, drill, and communicate effectively during a disaster.”