Canton Officers, Firefighters Work Together To Save Overdose Victim

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Three Canton police officers and three firefighters were recently recognized for their efforts to save a man suffering from a drug overdose.

Corporal Joel Parker, officers Ryan Campbell and Matthew Godfrey, Canton Fire Department Lieutenant Wes Dixon and firefighters Chad Wigington and Dustin Long were all given the Canton Police Department’s Life Saving Award during the City Council’s Feb. 19 meeting.

On Jan. 28, Parker, Campbell and Godfrey responded to a home in reference to a person suffering from an apparent drug overdose.

Upon arrival, officers proceeded to a bathroom where they found a 22-year-old man unresponsive and lying motionless on the floor.

As officers rendered aid to the male, they immediately noticed his breathing was shallow and he appeared to be choking. They rolled him onto his side to clear his airway and as they did, he stopped breathing.

Officers then placed the individual on his back and Godfrey began performing CPR.

At this time, Lieutenant Dixon and the Canton firefighters arrived on scene to take over providing emergency care to the man.

Canton fire personnel immediately began preparing the victim to receive an IV. At that moment, Dixon used officer Campbell’s assigned Narcan medication and administered a dose to the male, who began breathing, coughing and clinching his fist within seconds of receiving the antidote

These officers along with fire personnel assisted in helping the man to his feet. He was later transported to Northside Hospital-Cherokee for further evaluation.

Photo 1: From left to right, Police Chief Mark Mitchell, Lt. Jeff Tucker, Ofc. Godfrey, Ofc. Ryan Campbell, Lt. German Rivas, and Asst. Chief Stephen Merrifield.
Photo 2: From left to right, firefighters Chad Wigington, Dustin Long, Lt. Wes Dixon and Fire Chief Dean Floyd.
Photo credits: Stan Oliver