WCF SECTION PRESS RELEASE #22-19
FORMER SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR BEN HENLEY KI4IGX IS A SILENT KEY
Ben Henley KI4IGX, who was the Section Emergency Coordinator for the ARRL West Central Florida Section from 2015-2020 became a Silent Key on Wednesday July 20, 2022, after a protracted battle with congestive heart failure and ischemia, and had been awaiting a heart transplant for several years. Henley was 52 years old.
Henley obtained his Technician class amateur radio license in 2004 an upgraded to General class in 2016. It was Henley’s experience in emergency management and commercial two way radio that led him to become a licensed amateur radio operator. Henley was instrumental in helping to foster a working partnership between Highland County Emergency Management and Highlands County ARES, and providing them with logistical support to help carry out their mission. Henley was also instrumental in helping to foster the concept of the three ARRL Florida Section ARES programs as being partners working together with the State EOC as one organization during emergency situations.
Henley in his professional career was in information technology, first at a local hospital in Highlands County, then a firefighter with the Highlands County Fire Department, and then as Emergency Management Coordinator with Highlands County Emergency Management. During his tenure with Highlands County Emergency Management, Henley was the 911 coordinator for a number of years, provided information technology support, commercial two way radio support, and had considerable input into the design of the current Highlands County Emergency Operations Center.
At press time, there was no information available on a memorial service.