Volunteers Translate 911 Calls

The city of Mesa (Ariz.) spent $118,000 last year on services to translate 911 calls, usually from Spanish to English. Now several volunteers have stepped up to help the police department’s dispatchers field calls in other languages, improving the handling of emergency calls and also saving money. Public safety director Cari Zanella said, “For us, it’s a perfect fit. Volunteers want to help and our 911 center can use the help.” Read more about the program here.