There is a new addition to the dispatching team at the Washington City Police station. Sonia Gaither, born in Cadiz, Spain, married Washington local Chief Petty Officer Matthew Gaither and moved to Washington in August 2009.
After searching for positions where her bilingual ability would be beneficial, Gaither was contacted about her application at the police station. After a couple of interviews, Gaither was offered the job and accepted it less than two months ago.
“I like the job. It’s very hard,” she said. “It’s more than answering a phone.”
Gaither doesn’t take lightly the responsibility of her position.
“We have to make them (the officers) aware of what is going on and if there is a situation that will put them in jeopardy,” Gaither said.
With the growing population of Hispanic people in the community, Police Chief Steve Riney believes Gaither’s bilingual ability is a huge asset and was needed in the city.
“We have already used her interpreting services on a few occasions,” Riney said.
Gaither remembers how frustrating a communication barrier can be. When she moved to the U.S., about 15 years ago, she didn’t speak English.
“When I start speaking Spanish, they (Hispanic people) feel relieved. It’s nice to know there is someone who can understand them and help them,” she said.
Gaither is honored to be serving the Washington community at the police station.
“This is like my home in Spain,” she said. “Everybody says hello to everybody. Neighbors come out and talk to each other. People walking on the street, even with they don’t know each other, they say ‘hi.’”
“I didn’t think there would be any place like my home, then I found Washington,” Gaither said.
Local News
Spanish comes in handy
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Petersburg men arrested in truck wash armed robbery
An Indiana State Police investigation into the Jan. 29 armed robbery at Blue Beacon Truck Wash located near U.S. 41 and I-64 has prompted criminal charges being filed against Larry Nathaniel Davis, 26, and Branden Joe Walburn, 26, both from Petersburg. Felony warrants were issued yesterday afternoon for their arrests. At approximately 11:30 Tuesday night, Indiana State Police executed the warrants and arrested Davis and Walburn without incident.
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Taking care of those who took care of you
With people living longer in today’s society, more and more adult children are faced with helping their aging parents make difficult decisions about their living situations.
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Senior and Family Services ready to help
Senior and Family Services of Washington has a magnitude of services available, according to Executive Director Jill Cecil.
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Free senior seminars
From March through November a one-hour seminar will be offered beginning at 10:30 a.m. on the last Thursday of each month at the Washington senior center, 211 E. Main St
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Important Phone Numbers for Seniors
Important Phone Numbers
Washington Senior Center 254-1881/1-800-536-1881
Odon Senior Center 636-4722
Petersburg Senior Center 354-8727
Winslow Senior Center 789-9405
Ride Solution 254-3225/1-800-369-8899
Generations 888-5880/1-800-742-9002 -
Pot, cash found during stop
Two men were arrested Tuesday morning by Indiana State Police troopers for dealing in marijuana over 30 grams, a Class D felony.
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WHS NJROTC does well at local meet
Washington High School’s Jordan Andry flips a rifle during the WHS Hatchet Drill Meet on Saturday.
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Foggy sunrise
The sun begins to burn off the early morning fog southeast of Washington as seen from behind Griffith Elementary Tuesday.
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Council fields questions on solid waste
Hazel Fuhrman approached the Martin County Council Monday asking questions about the $24 user fee the Solid Waste District wants to impose.
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Seidel crowned WC's homecoming queen
Madison Seidel, daughter of Jane and Richard Seidel of Washington, was crowned 2012 Washington Catholic Homecoming Queen at the Birdcage on Saturday.
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