Albion police officers trained to use heroin overdose kits

ALBION – Two Albion police officers have been trained to administer naloxone, an antidote for heroin and other opioid overdoses.

The officers will teach all members of the Albion Police Department on how to properly administer naloxone, which will be carried in all Albion patrol vehicles, Police Chief Roland Nenni said.

A rise in heroin and other opiate use has resulted in many overdoses leading to death and other serious long-term medical issues, Nenni said.

Albion police are often the first to arrive at the scene when someone has overdosed.

“If a person has overdosed on an opiate and is serious condition, officers will be able to administer naloxone in an attempt to save the person’s life,” Nenni said. “The administration of naloxone has saved many lives across the country.”

The two Albion officers attended a training on Tuesday with about 30 officers from several police agencies in Western New York. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services led the training and provided supplies of naloxone at no cost to the police departments.

The training was at the Rural Police Training Academy at Genesee Community College in Batavia. The training is part of a statewide initiative to combat the rise of heroin use.

The officers’ training also included an overview of the state’s Good Samaritan Law, which is intended to encourage individuals to seek medical attention for someone who is experiencing a drug or alcohol overdose or other life-threatening injury. Those witnesses may not be inclined to seek help for fear of criminal prosecution.

“As a former District Attorney, I have seen first-hand the devastating and far-reaching effects of opioid abuse,” said DCJS Executive Deputy Commissioner Michael C. Green. “Key to DCJS’ mission is providing training and support to local law enforcement. This training will help local law enforcement agencies deal with this public health and public safety crisis in a smart and effective way.”