Six Cleveland police officers and a firefighter are being recognized for their lifesaving actions while on duty. Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker says the officers administered Narcan to several people who overdosed on drugs during four separate emergency calls. In some instances, the officers had to administer multiple doses of the opioid overdose-reversing drug and CPR to get the patients to respond.
Shoemaker recognized Cleveland Police Sgt. Denton Vaughan and Officer Laura Riebold for their lifesaving actions during an emergency call on August 7. Officer Sarah Emery was recognized for her response to a drug overdose on August 15. Sgt. Wesley Addis and off-duty Cleveland Firefighter Will LaPree were recognized for their efforts on September 27. And Shoemaker recognized Corporal Brandon Wood and Officer Edward Hyde for their lifesaving actions during a call on October 1.
Chief Shoemaker awarded each of the officers a certificate during the November 14 Cleveland City Council meeting. He said the officers’ “quick, decisive actions and determination” saved the lives of each of the patients and “not only reflect highly upon the officers themselves, but their profession, the department, and the city of Cleveland.”
Narcan is an emergency treatment for opioid overdose which is now carried by many law enforcement officers across the country.
Under Georgia’s medical amnesty law, overdose patients and those who call for medical assistance can not be arrested or prosecuted if law enforcement arrives and finds personal use amounts of drugs and drug paraphernalia at the scene.
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Dean Dyer of WRWH Radio contributed to this report
