West Orange Police Mark 2 Victories In Fight Against Opioid Abuse

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Police Department recently saw two noteworthy efforts in the ongoing fight against opioid abuse.

West Orange police shared details on social media.

OFFICER EARNS AWARD

The WOPD gave a big thumbs up to one of its “most dedicated officers,” Chris Polizzano, who was recognized with an Achievement Award from the Essex County Opioid Task Force/Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center.

The award is given annually to officers making a difference in their community in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

“Chris has saved five souls with Narcan since 2017,” police said. “Those are five families whose lives weren’t shattered and five communities not crushed by the loss of a cherished friend or neighbor.”

DRUG TAKEBACK

On Saturday, the WOPD participated with police departments across the nation in the DEA Drug TakeBack Program.

The event gave residents a chance to turn in unwanted, expired or useless prescription drugs so that they could be destroyed in an environmentally safe manner.

West Orange police collected more than 21 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday, which were turned over to the DEA for destruction.

“Kudos to all of our citizens who went the extra mile to protect their households, and our community,” police said.

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