ROCKPORT, Mass. -- The board of health in Rockport is telling residents that police aren’t equipped with a tool that can potentially save lives in an overdose situation.
Rockport is the last police department on Cape Ann to not carry Narcan, but that could soon be changing.
“We’d be foolish to think we are somehow going to escape the opioid epidemic,” Rockport resident Amy Beaton said.
It's a life saving tool being used by police departments all over MA. So why aren't police in Rockport equipped with Narcan? #Boston25 at 10 pic.twitter.com/aLHEcFjogf
— Drew Karedes (@DrewKaredes) February 2, 2018
The town stands in stark contrast to neighboring Gloucester, which first equipped police officers and firefighters with the overdose-reversing drug in 2011.
“We’re a small town and we’re insulated on many things but it’s right next door there’s no way it’s not here,” Beaton said.
The board of health made an urgent public plea this week to get Narcan into patrol cars, accusing the police union of being reluctant to do so.
Rockport Police Chief John Horvath sent Boston 25 News a statement saying he is aware of the importance of Narcan, and is making efforts to have first responders trained.
“The members of the Rockport Police Department realize the importance of carrying Narcan as a life saving measure and the department will be fully trained and equipped with it in the next one to two weeks. Our officers are dedicated members of the community and value their role in ensuring public safety. It is my hope that we will never need to use Narcan, but if we do, we will be better prepared to render emergency care and save a life.”
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