Spanish spoken here

Even though this county does not have many Latinos, they still need an interpreter at all hours of the day and night. This is another reason for our own citizens to learn Spanish, interpreter jobs are plentiful. DP

The need to understand the language of Latinos is growing in Allegany County

By Michael A. Sawyers, Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — Cumberland Police Sgt. Anthony Rumgay said his ability to speak and interpret Spanish has resulted in him being called into duty at all hours of the day and night in locations from Frederick to Westernport.

“I’ve been called on by just about every law enforcement agency in Western Maryland. I’ve translated in circuit court. I go to (Department of) Juvenile Services,” Rumgay said.

Although the most common need for Rumgay’s linguistic skills involves a stop for driving under the influence of alcohol, sometimes the call to duty is because of a violent crime.

“In the Virginia Avenue assault (Feb. 13), the victim was a Mexican male (39). I was able to talk with him in Spanish and we developed an ID that led to an arrest,” Rumgay said.

The need for Rumgay’s ability to interpret Spanish is a reflection of a similar and growing want throughout the community. It’s a need that reaches into all facets of life, such as recreation, medical care, spirituality and education.

Nationally, 14 percent of Americans are people of Hispanic origin who are from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central America or South America, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Throughout Maryland, that percentage is 6. Fewer than 1 percent of Allegany County’s residents are of Hispanic or Latino origin.
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