Text size: 
Boone County dispatchers learning Spanish
|
BELVIDERE, Ill. (AP) — Authorities in Boone County are hoping to improve response time by teaching emergency dispatchers some Spanish. The Rockford Register Star reports that 11 dispatchers at the Belvidere-Boone County 911 Center have enrolled in an online course called Spanish on Patrol. That course teaches basic words and phrases that callers commonly use in emergencies. Currently, Spanish-speaking residents wait up to 90 seconds before a translator is connected to the call. During that time, dispatchers don't know if they're dealing with an emergency or if the responding crews could encounter a dangerous situation. The program isn't designed to make dispatchers bilingual. But Boone County Sheriff's Lt. Perry Gay says the goal is to become more comfortable in communicating with Spanish speakers. 
|
 |
|
||
Moline, IL Details |
|||
Holiday Pinwheels
(More recipes)
| (More Print Ads) |
Today is Friday, May 24, the 144th day of 2013. There are 221 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: A military escort will be at the square at 9 a.m. tomorrow forthe funeral of Lieut. Joseph Eaton. The county judge is absent in Chicago, which willaccount for his not being in the procession.
1888 -- 125 years ago: Rock Island's City Council last night appropriated $95,000 forexpenses for the 1888 and 1889 fiscal year.
1913 -- 100 years ago: Mrs. F.W. Reimers last night was re-elected president of the RockIsland Musical Club at a meeting in the New Harper Hotel.
1938 -- 75 years ago: Seven members of Boy Scout Troop 21 got their Eagle badges lastnight. They were Ralph Hurt, Robert Nelson, Howard Schersten, Cecil Nelson, RobertFryxell, Clarence Stone and Rollin Hurt.
1963 -- 50 years ago: Mayor Morris Muhleman has resorted to a form letter in an effort toanswer objections to the wheel tax increase. "It was my hope that I could, in some way,restore the faith of the citizens in our city. In order to do this I knew I must face the factthat I would become very unpopular."All they are trying to do is protect the citizensproperty and build their town.
1988 -- 25 years ago: RICCA, the Rock Island County Council on Addictions, inconjunction with the Quad City Downs, will hold its annual "Night at the Races" June 2.The benefit "Night at the Races" will raise funds locally to assist in maintaining the twohalfway houses, New Hope Lodge (for women) and Beacon House (for men).
(More History)