Bilingual mom, daughter give back

OXFORD >> Married mom of five Lupita Navaalways knew she wanted to make a positive impact in her community. “It was something that I always wanted to do – to give back to my community.”

The busy Oxford mom made it a priority to find a volunteer opportunity that fit her lifestyle and her desire to serve. In September 2018, Navafound the perfect fit, making the decision to join her local volunteer fire department: Union Fire Company No. 1 in Oxford.

While it is true that the need for volunteer firefighters is at a critical level, Nava brought to the table more than just her willingness to serve as a volunteer with the department. A native Spanish speaker, she also fulfilled another essential need among volunteer departments – the ability to communicate with a growing segment of the population.

In an emergency situation, the inability for first responders and victims to communicate effectively can have dire consequences. With an estimated 30,000 Hispanic or Latino residents now calling Chester County their home, the need for Spanish-speaking volunteers has increased.

“Every minute we’re delayed in being able to communicate with a Spanishspeaking only resident can make all the difference in how effective we are in responding to an emergency call,” said Neil Vaughn, Recruitment and Retention Committee Chair for the Chester County Fire Chief’s Association.

In addition to being able to respond more quickly when there is not a communication barrier, Nava said speaking to a person in their native tongue can help create a sense of calm in what may otherwise be a tense and scary situation. “Spanish people can be very reserved at times, so being able to speak to them in their own language helps build trust.”

Nava said she has only had occasion thus far to use her bilingual skills once at the scene of a fire,

SUBMITTED PHOTO Lupita Navaalways and her 16-year-old dughter, Carolena, recently joined the Union Fire Company No. 1in Oxford, and their bilingual skills are huge assets.