WHITEHALL, Ohio — As the Columbus area has grown, so has the need for translators and bilingual speakers.
The Whitehall Division of Police has now hired a dispatcher who speaks English and Spanish to help with emergency calls.
Perla Nunez grew up speaking Spanish and is now the first bilingual dispatcher for Whitehall police.
On her first day, Nunez knew she was in the right place to help people.
“I walked in for my shift and my trainer was, there was an incoming 911 call and the caller only spoke Spanish and I was able to jump in on that call, translate and my trainer was able to dispatch officers immediately,” Nunez said.
If she hadn't been there, Whitehall would have used a translation service. A service that takes time when seconds matter.
“I feel like the city of Whitehall is growing in Hispanic communities and it is very important to have diversity in the workplace,” she said.
When she heard that she was the first bilingual dispatcher in the department, Nunez said she was shocked.
"I thought there would be another bilingual dispatcher, but nope. I'm the first one,” she said.
She grew up in the area speaking Spanish and learned English in school.
“I have always worked in customer service my entire life, so I felt like it was my duty to serve people and help. I love people, I'm patient, I'm kind. I'm a people person,” Nunez said.
She is still in training but told 10TV that she is excited to help her community.