West Lafayette police look to carry Narcan

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – In hopes of saving more lives, several law enforcement agencies in Tippecanoe County could soon start carrying the heroin antidote Narcan.

The sheriff’s office along with West Lafayette police and fire departments are looking to implement new programs. Narcan is an antidote that can reverse the side effects of an opiate overdose, like heroin.

Gov. Mike Pence signed a bill last month that immediately allows Indiana residents to get and use Narcan.

Now, Tippecanoe County Sheriff Barry Richard wants his deputies to carry it. He said he thinks this is a good step as heroin overdoses increase in the county.

“We have reached out to the Indianapolis [Metropolitan] Police Department as well as Porter County. We’re awaiting some word from them. We definitely would like to take some information from their departments to see their challenges and strengths,” said Richard.

The West Lafayette Police Department is also looking to start a Narcan program. Chief Jason Dombkowski said his department realized the need for the drug after a Purdue University student overdosed in February.

“In learning about that story and thinking about how it affects our community, really prompted us – the two chiefs – to look at this from a public safety piece and making sure that story’s not repeated,” said Dombkowski.

The West Lafayette fire trucks will also be equipped with Narcan.

At this time, the Lafayette Police Department has decided to not roll out a program. Chief Patrick Flannelly said after reviewing response times, they believe ambulances arrive on scene just as quickly as officers. However, Flannelly said they will continue to research the issue.