Spanish-speaking newcomers could have a hard time communicating withEnglish-speaking rescue workers in the event of an emergency, but inWilson County, some workers are doing something about the problem.
Firefighter Kenneth Brewer has learned some simple Spanish phrases thatcould mean the difference between life and death. Until now, he has reliedon an interpreter at fires when the victims didn't speak English. On afewoccasions, Brewer says the language gap has interfered with his efforts tohelp others.
North Carolina's Spanish-speaking community is growing dramatically,but the bridge between English and Spanish isn't keeping up. But, according to Youthella Ivory of the Wilson Police Department, thegraduates at every level of government are beginning to see improvementsin job performance.
Mayra Jaimes knows what it's like to need help. She often finds herselfinterpreting for her mother in a country where Spanish has not taken hold.
Twenty-three Wilson city employees have completed a 13-weekconversational Spanish course covering the basics that might beneeded in an emergency.
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