Police, fire to using new interpretation device

LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) - Public safety officials in Lawrence are now using a mobile interpretation device to communicate with people who speak a language other than English.

The device, RTT Mobile Interpretation's ELSA, connects Lawrence police and firefighters with interpreters speaking 180 different languages.

"Lawrence is a growing and diverse city of more than 46,000 residents," said Mayor Dean Jessup. "The 2010 Census found that 11.5% of our residents speak a language other than English at home. It's critical for our emergency responders to successfully communicate with all members of our community. A call for help in any language will be answered in Lawrence."

Lawrence Police Chief Mike Walton purchased 24 devices for public safety officials by using a grant.

"Lawrence police officers can now speak with every resident of the city without concern for a language barrier," explained  Walton.

Now, each Lawrence Fire Department ambulance has a device for first responders to use. Fire officials say they used the device while fighting a fire where a number of Spanish-speaking people lived.

"Our fire fighters were able to communicate with them about injuries and next steps without delay," Fire Chief Mark Delong said.