It is with great sadness that the Northern California Chapter of APCO, Intl. announces the passing of Ron Allison, long time member of APCO and friend to many.
Ron Allison was employed by Delta Industrial Communications and Engineering Company for many years. Delta’s service areas covered from Lake Tahoe to the Bay Area, the Stockton area to Auburn and the Grass Valley area. Ron was the manager of the Sacramento region.
After leaving Delta, Ron went to work for the County of Sacramento as their Telecommunications Manger. Ron oversaw the County’s Dispatch Center which at that time was the 911 public-safety answering point (PSAP) for ambulance dispatch within the County. He also managed the County’s many radio and alarm systems. When the National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) band became available, Mr. Allison lobbied for a regional radio system for use by the County and all of the cities within Sacramento County and including the City of West Sacramento. He oversaw the development and construction of the Sacramento Regional Radio Communications System (SRRCS). Another great achievement was the granting of a 900 MHz paging license to the County in which he enlisted the aid of a US Senator to press the case before the FCC for the license.
As a hobby, Ron for many years has obtained and refurbished two-way radios used by the military during WWII, several of which have been donated to local museums. He also enjoyed owning a couple of WWII Jeeps and a military trailer.
Mr. Allison has been a member of the Northern California Chapter (NAPCO) since 1967. He served as Chapter President in 1986, the Executive Council Representative from 1991 to 2000, and was on the Executive Board for many years.
Ron will be missed by all who knew him, and his presence at our monthly meetings and friendly smile will be missed by all who knew him.