For These Fairfield Cops, Learning Sign Language Is ‘Paramount’

FAIRFIELD, NJ — It’s all about learning to communicate better with the people they serve.

Last week, a group of Fairfield police officers volunteered to learn American Sign Language at a free event for emergency responders at the Newark Public Library. The workshop – sponsored by His Hands Ministry of Chosen Generation Ministries and Deaf Advocacy of Newark – attracted emergency responders from multiple towns in Essex County.

• See related article: Newark Emergency Responders Get Tips On Using Sign Language

Four members of the Fairfield Police Department were among their ranks: Sergeant Chris Niemiec, Detective Robert Sanger and Officers Stacy Chiarolanza and James High.

During the class, Chiarolanza met a young man named Jalen who taught her how to sign “My name is,” along with the spelling of her name. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of bridging the communication gap between emergency responders and deaf or hearing-challenged residents.

“In New Jersey, there are over 350,000 people that are deaf or hard of hearing, so this training is very important for everyone,” the Fairfield Police Department wrote on social media.

Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna told Patch the workshop taught skills that are “paramount” for local officers.

“This course is a stepping-stone to better assist us in dealing with the hearing-impaired,” Manna said.

“The officers who took the class volunteered for it, so it’s a real credit to them and shows their commitment to being able to help all that we come in contact with,” Manna added. “In fact, the officers enjoyed it so much that a few want to go to a more extensive class… and I am fully in favor of that.”

• See related article: Port Authority Cop Uses Sign Language To Bridge Communication Gap

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