New Jersey corrections officers credited with saving lives after 4 inmates overdose

Bridgeton, NJ (WTXF) - County corrections officers are being credited with saving several lives after intervening to help inmates who had reportedly overdosed in the county jail.

On Friday, October 6, Cumberland County Corrections Officers sprang into action when four inmates showed signs of cardiac arrest. Medical staff and corrections officers worked together to administer Narcan to each inmate.

All four responded positively and were transported to Inspira Health Network. Two of the four have been treated and released from the hospital since. One inmate remains in Intensive Care, and one is in the Step Down Unit.

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

"Had it not been for the swift action of these Officers and our medical staff, the outcome could have been much worse," Warden Smith added. "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."

Sgt. Zanes, Officer Carter, Officer Comley, Officer Cotto, Officer Vaughn, Officer Luciano, Officer Darisow, Officer Fernandez, and Officer Shurran were specifically called out by Warden Smith for their efforts.

In addition to the county jail's training initiatives covering how to handle a crisis situation, a Correctional K-9 Program is in the works to assist with identifying contraband that may be smuggled into the prison.