Probation Officer Trainees Save The Life Of Man Suffering Opiate Overdose

The Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association commends the bravery and initiative of Probation Officers, Ferretti and Grasman. While these trainee officers have only been in the field for three weeks, they were able to navigate a high-risk, life and death situation. Their training and immediate response were key in saving the life of a man on the brink of death, due to what appeared to be an opiate overdose. 

Around noon on Thursday, March 26^th, Probation Officer Trainees (POTs), Ferretti and Grasman stopped for lunch at a bagel store in a shopping center on the southeast corner of Route 112 and Horseblock Road. Prior to lunch, the two had been conducting home visits. As they were leaving the store, they noticed three individuals convening next to the building; one of the individuals was leaning against the building for support and looked unwell. POTs Ferretti and Grasman immediately took action, entered their vehicle, and drove to the location to investigate the wellbeing of the individual. As they approached, the individual was being lowered to the ground by his companions. Ferretti approached the group to assess the situation, while Grasman radioed the Police Department for rescue and assistance. The person at risk was foaming at the mouth, had a weak pulse, and was cyanotic. Grasman immediately retrieved her Narcan Kit from her field bag and gave it to Ferretti, who quickly and successfully administered the Narcan. The person responded to the treatment and was placed in recovery position until Suffolk County Police Rescue arrived. Thankfully the person, at risk of dying from an overdose, was responsive as he was placed into the ambulance. 

In the case of a drug overdose, it is vital that care is administered promptly. Despite the short amount of time that Officers Perretti and Grasman have been on the force, POTS they responded to a potentially fatal situation with confidence, taking the action necessary to save a man’s life. The Police Benevolent Association is proud to have Probation Officers of such caliber on the Force.