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10/10/2017 - County CO's Credited with Saving Lives


October 9, 2017
For Immediate Release
For More Information
Contact: Kim Wood
609-364-8361

County Corrections Officers Credited with Saving Lives



Bridgeton, NJ – On Friday Evening, October 6, 2017 Cumberland County Corrections Officers sprang into action to save 4 inmates who had reportedly overdosed in the County Jail.


Cumberland County Warden Richard Smith said “These Officers responded exactly the way they were trained to handle these types of situations. They did an outstanding job and I am so proud to have them on my staff.”


A 911 call was made on the evening of Friday October 6, 2017 as a result of four inmates showing signs of cardiac arrest. Medical Staff and Corrections Officers worked together to administer Narcan to each of the subjects. All four responded positively and were transported to Inspira Health Network Since that time, two of the four have been treated and released from the hospital, one remains in Intensive Care and one is in the step down unit.


Warden Smith said, “Had it not been for the swift action of these Officers and our medical staff, the outcome could have been much worse. Our medical staff was trained to administer Narcan. While they were working on two of the inmates, they were able to instruct the officers on how to administer the Narcan to the other two subjects. They responded very well in a crisis and are to be commended for their efforts. All 4 inmates were responsive when they left the Correctional Facility thanks to the great work of our staff.”


Warden Smith said, “In addition to our medical staff, I want to publicly thank Sgt. Zanes, Officer Carter, Officer Comley, Officer Cotto, Officer Vaughn, Officer Luciano, Officer Darisow, Officer Fernandez, and Officer Shurran. These Officers did an outstanding job in saving four lives.”

There are a number of training initiatives that have taken place over the last few months to provide the jail staff with the knowledge they need to act in a crisis situation. In addition, a Correctional K-9 Program is being implemented to assist in identifying contraband of any kind that may be smuggled into the jail. The K-9 Program will be a great tool for the jail staff to ensure that inmates are safe while in our facility.

Cumberland County Freeholder Director Joe Derella said, “The entire Board of Chosen Freeholders is very appreciative of the great work by these officers. We are pleased that Warden Smith understood the need for crisis training and is providing his staff with the tools they need to react quickly and professionally in any given situation.”


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