Home

Stories

Partners arrow

About arrow

Police chaplain program banner offering confidential law enforcement support
Banner

Swift Police Response Rescues Man From Fentanyl Overdose

Rapid police response in Glen Rock, NJ, saves a man from a fentanyl overdose. See how crisis management in law enforcement saves lives.

Admin

Glen Rock police vehicle at the scene of an emergency response

It was a moment that showed the value of rapid police response and professionalism in a crisis. On Friday, a Glen Rock, New Jersey resident was saved from a fentanyl overdose, thanks to the emergency police response and decisive action by local law enforcement.

Glen Rock police were dispatched to Maple and Glen avenues around 4:30 p.m. after receiving a report about a man lying unconscious near a resident’s bushes. Officer James Donnelly responded and quickly found the man was unresponsive and appeared to be suffering from an overdose.

Crisis Management in Law Enforcement

Officer Donnelly immediately began crisis management protocols, administering three doses of Narcan: a nasal spray version of Naloxone, used by emergency response police to reverse opioid overdoses. The officer’s swift police response was essential: after three doses, the man regained consciousness.

“Upon being revived, the victim stated that he had snorted fentanyl,” police said.

EMTs and paramedics also responded to the scene and checked the man’s medical condition, but he declined transportation to the hospital or further assistance. As required by law, police provided him with additional Narcan before leaving the scene.

Police Responding to Emergencies: A Lifesaving Mission

This incident is a powerful reminder of the critical role police officers responding to emergencies play in our communities. From crisis management police tactics to the effective use of life-saving tools like Narcan, law enforcement officers are often the first, and sometimes only, line of defense against tragedy.

The success of this fentanyl overdose rescue is a testament to emergency response team police training and the dedication of New Jersey police to public safety.

Why These Stories Matter

Each successful police rescue is a story of hope, one that shows how officers can make all the difference in a crisis. To explore more examples of officers responding with courage and skill, visit our Acts of Heroism page.

To better understand the values guiding police service, read about the oath guiding police work.

References