Born in Orange, California, I lived and attended school through high school in nearby Anaheim, attending Fullerton Junior College for my A.A. degree, while working part-time at my uncle’s factory. I obtained an FCC Class D Citizens Band license in 1962, and became a licensed Amateur Radio Operator in 1963, now W6DOE.
I married following Junior College. Working full-time as an Engineering Aid for the Orange County Road Department, I attended California State University, Long Beach. I joined the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) in 1966, now a Life Senior Member. A son, David Christian, was born to me in 1967. I completed my B.S. degree in Engineering (Electrical) in 1969, also earning my FCC First Class Radiotelephone Operator License.
Upon graduation, I started working as a Communications Engineering Assistant for the County of Orange. In 1973, I earned my California Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, and became a Member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and its California Chapter (CSPE). On January 1, 1973, I also joined CPRA, the Southern California Chapter of APCO. I completed my M.S.E.E. degree in 1974, and was granted a P.E. License by the District of Columbia. I joined the Institution of Electronic and Radio Engineers (IERE-England) in 1974, and became a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng.) in 1975. I also served as Chair of the IEEE Orange County Section for the 1974-1975 year.
My assignments included the design and modification of radio systems for Orange County and its cities, districts, etc., moving from 40 MHz to 460 MHz to 800 MHz, represented Orange County in Radio Frequency Coordination and FCC licensing, and was appointed CPRA/APCO Frequency Coordinator in 1986.
I served as President of the CPRA Chapter in 1980 and again in 1984, and was elected to the APCO Board of Officers in 1985, having the honor to serve as APCO President for the 1988-1989 year. I am an APCO Senior Member, an APCO Life Member, and was awarded The Art McDole Award of Distinction by APCO in 2000.
I started APCO Project 25 in August of 1989, and was honored to sit on its Board of Directors.
I retired as Chief Telecommunications Engineer/Engineering Manager after 40.58374 years of service with the County of Orange, and still serve today as one of the CPRA/APCO Local Frequency Coordination Advisors.
I am married to Mary Irene. Her daughter, Holly Anne, was born to her in 1965. My son, David Christian, a Peace Officer, was born to me in 1967, and went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in 1999. We have four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.