Why Won't Newtown Borough Police Carry Narcan?

Newtown Borough is one of only two municipalities in Bucks County where police are not equipped with Narcan, a lifesaving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub wants to change that. He appeared before borough officials earlier this month to urge them to have the police department carry the drug.

Weintraub, in an email to Patch, says borough chief Anthony Wojciechowski is opposed to having the drug on hand. Wojciechowski did not return a request for comment from Patch regarding the nature of his opposition.

However, the Newtown Advance reported that Weintraub, in his comments to Borough Council, said he used to feel the way the chief did "in that hey, these people are making a choice."

"I'm just asking you to please consider this," Weintraub said to Council, according to the Advance. "I know how Tony feels and Tony is justified in his beliefs, but I truly believe everyone deserves a chance."

The only other municipality in Bucks County that does not carry Narcan aside from Newtown Borough is Ivyland Borough, but it is covered by Warminster Police Department, which does carry it, Weintraub said.

Weintraub said it's important for police departments to have Narcan on hand for their own safety and to save lives.

The drug is provided by the county to local police departments at no cost, Weintraub said.

Earlier this week, state officials issued an urgent warning about carfentanil, a synthetic opioid intended to sedate large animals that is linked to overdose deaths. The drug, a sedative for large animals, is not only dangerous for those who take it but also those who come into contact with it, including first responders and medical professionals.

It can kill within minutes, Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Gary Tennis said, noting it is essential that first responders be equipped with Narcan.