VIDEO: Almost a dozen first responders in the city of Racine recently completed an introductory Spanish language course tailored to their line of work.
From January to April, once a week for three hours police officers and firefighter-paramedics go to the class, “Spanish for First Responders” at Gateway Technical College. Racine Fire Department (RFD) Captain Jeff Ayres was also among those who participated. He said he’s been with RFD for about 18 years and can’t remember an initiative like it.
“It was an amazing class,” he said.
Fellow firefighter-paramedic Ben Stephenson said he took the class to brush up on the Spanish he took in school knowing that would come in handy at work, especially with Racine's growing Hispanic community. “It has come up in the past where I wish I would have known more,” Stephenson explained.