Oregon Bomberos Don't Work in English Only by Law

Tue27Jun2006

Oregon Bomberos Don't Work in English Only by Law

09:33 H | Topics: Bilingualism - Language - Oregon

story.three.firemen.jpg Oregon isn't buying into that English only nonsense, in fact not being bilingual, speaking English and Spanish, can get you fired if you're a firefighter. Because of the problems of wildfires in Oregon, there is no language requirements for firefighters. According to Jim Walker with the Oregon Department of Forestry:

What we do know is 85 percent of the crew makeup is of Hispanic descent.

Because of this in 2003 a State law was made requiring bosses who manage firefighting crews be bilingual to ensure communication and safety. But not everyone is happy about this requirement. Some people are losing their positions because they cannot speak Spanish.

Via / The Denver Channel
Image Via / CNN

Nevada Wants to Go English Only and Gets Called Out (Friday, Apr 13 2007)
Santa Ana, California Putting its Money Where Its English Is (Tuesday, Apr 10 2007)

Maegan la Mala

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1. jose ~ Friday, Nov 24 2006 | 17:09H:

I am seeing how though the role of a firefighter is and even though I see struggle I still want to become a firefighter. I want to be a firefighter because I want to save people and also want to help people by explaining the safety of each and everyone in the community.

VivirLatino