Photo Left to Right: Scott Sigerfoos, EMS Director of Lutheran EMS, Officer Ryan Reed and Joe Hawn Chief of Police.

WINONA — Winona Lake Officers provided with drug to help reverse the effects of Heroin and Opiate overdoses

Winona Lake Police Officers are now carrying nasal naloxone kits also known as Narcan. Narcan has been successful in reversing the effects of heroin and opiate overdoses prior to the arrival of the paramedics.

Law enforcement continues to see a rapid rise in opiate overdoses locally and across the nation. Local police departments often arrive first on medical emergency calls and are now equipping their police officers with Narcan. Nacan can be administered to overdose patients while paramedics are responding to the scene. Winona Lake Police Department will join the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police who began carrying Narcan earlier this year.

“We are excited to partner with our local police officers in providing training and helping to get this important medication into the hands of our police officers. Early administration of Narcan in an overdose can save a person’s life”, said Scott Sigerfoos, Lutheran EMS Kosciusko EMS Director.

“Law enforcement is here to protect the public, to preserve life and property. This is just another example of law enforcement officers stepping up to these daily challenges”, said Winona Lake Police Chief Joe Hawn .

Drug overdose deaths in the United States have more than doubled since 1999. The Lutheran Health Network partnered with Winona Lake Police Department to complete Narcan training and aid in getting the Narcan kits to the officers in an effort to decrease the incidence of overdose related death in our community.