MUSKEGO (WITI) -- As of Thursday, September 25th all Muskego police officers have been trained in the administration of the opioid antagonist Naloxone (Narcan), and will be able to administer the drug to any citizen who is exhibiting signs of, or believed to be suffering an opioid overdose.
All marked Muskego squad cars are now equipped with the life-saving drug.
Since the "Heroin and Opiate Prevention and Education" (HOPE) legislative package, which allows first responders to carry and administer opioid antagonists, was signed into law by Governor Walker, the Muskego Police Department has been working toward the implementation of this program.
“Opioid addiction and overdose deaths have hit every community hard, and Muskego is no exception. It is hoped that by equipping our officers with this drug, we can save more lives, and help get those who are addicted on the road to recovery” said Muskego Police Chief Craig Moser.
Officers received training in the nasal administration of naloxone through the assistance and cooperation of the Tess Corners Fire Department.
Since May 2014, after the passage of the HOPE legislation also made it legal for police departments to collect unused prescription drugs, the Muskego Police Department has maintained a prescription drug collection point in their lobby. This program has been wildly successful in getting unneeded prescription drugs off the street.