A disaster preparedness Spanish workshop was held yesterday in Rochelle at Lincoln School as local residents received information from area emergency personnel. The event was sponsored by the Rochelle Council of the League of United Latin American Citizens.
Representations from the Rochelle police and fire departments along with the Ogle County sheriff's department took part in the workshop.
Rochelle Council LULAC President Jackie Aguilera talked about the reason behind the workshop following last April's tornado. She said that there was no information in Spanish following the storm last spring.
She said the goal for the council would be a liaison for local residents with area agencies in case of a disaster.
Rochelle Mayor Chet Olson said that he has been trying for the past 13 years to bridge the gap involving this issue. He said that the city must have an open door policy.
Olson stressed the trust factor when it comes to talking with police, firemen, and city employees.
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said that his department plans to work with this group also in the future as they did not communicate the area spanish speaking residents following the tornado with information.
He said that his department will have better communication in the future on facebook or text messages that will be in Spanish.
Equipment from both police agencies, Rochelle's K-9 unit, and the Rochelle fire department's ladder truck were also part of the workshop yesterday.
Over 50 people attended the event.