DOCJT News

Narcan: A life-Saving Tool

Department of Criminal Justice Training Instructor Walt Ridener said officers should use Narcan when they can save a life, and are protected by the Good Samaritan Law. (Photo by Jim Robertson)

Anytime a law enforcement officer responds to a call, their lives are potentially in danger. Often, the threats are visible – the suspect, a weapon, or the potential of a vehicle accident.

Some of the dangers are not as obvious. Those could be a syringe hidden under a seat or inside a suspect’s pocket. Or, the danger could be hidden inside an illegal substance, such as an opioid, that has the potential to absorb through the officer’s skin resulting in a potentially fatal overdose.

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From Saving Lives to Protecting Lives

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Conservation Officer Darin Jacoby graduated from law enforcement basic training in December. Prior to entering law enforcement, Jacoby was an internal medicine doctor. He maintains his medical credentials as a doctor in the Kentucky Air National Guard. (Photo by Jim Robertson)

Law enforcement personnel come from a variety of backgrounds.

However, it is safe to say, few have taken the career path of Darin Jacoby to become an officer with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

“I retired from civilian medical practice in 2019,” said Jacoby, who graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Basic Training Class 513 on Dec. 11. “I’m still board-certified in internal medicine and have my Kentucky license and DEA license. I keep my medical licenses certified because I am in the Air National Guard as a physician.”