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Crystal Lake police notch first 'save' with heroin overdose drug

When a homeowner buys a fire extinguisher, the goal is to be prepared. The hope is to never have to pull the pin and actually use it.

For Crystal Lake police, the same scenario occurs at the beginning of every shift, when patrol officers are issued Narcan, a nasal medication that reverses opiate overdoses.

And police were glad they were able to use Narcan to revive a woman in her 20s last month who had overdosed on heroin.

It was the first time officers used the latest weapon in their arsenal against heroin since they were outfitted with Narcan in April.

"It was something new for us," Crystal Lake Deputy Police Chief Derek Hyrkas said. "We've had it for six months. Officers feel very positive about having the ability to do help someone in a situation."

Hyrkas said each officer is issued Narcan in a small case at the beginning of each shift, and must turn it back in at the end of the shift.

Crystal Lake leaders modeled their program off the DuPage County sheriff's department, whose deputies have carried heroin overdose drugs for years.

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office also has equipped deputies with Narcan, and other municipalities are in the process of training their officers to carry and use it, Hyrkas said.

Boost to CASA

CASA Kane County, a nonprofit organization that advocates for abused and neglected children, recently was awarded a $25,000 grant from the UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of the delivery company. The grant will be used to recruit, train and supervise community volunteers who serve as the Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, and Guardian ad Litem, or GAL, for abused and neglected children in the Kane County juvenile court system.

CASA Kane County has served more than 560 children this year, which is 50 more than served in 2013.

The organization relies on grants, as well as donations from local businesses and individuals.

"We are so thankful for the support of UPS - the need was especially great this year, as we hired an additional Advocate Supervisor to support the CASA/GAL's on the cases for our additional children," said Gloria Bunce, CASA Kane County executive director.

Ask A Lawyer

The Kane County Bar Association will host its final "As A Lawyer Day" of the year from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

People can call (630) 762-1900 for a free consultation with a volunteer attorney about legal problems ranging from real estate and wills to divorce and bankruptcy. Do not leave a message because attorneys cannot access voice mail.

The service is supported by the Illinois State Bar Association and will resume in 2015.

hhitzeman@dailyherald.com

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