HPD receives narcan training

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Hattiesburg Police and USM Campus Police were on the Southern Miss campus learning about opioid overdose and reversal training.

In 2014, Jeff Moore died of an accidental heroin overdose. His father, James was initially shaken up from it. But, Thursday he shared his son's story to law enforcement officials and talked about the importance of having narcan.

"It is truly a life-saving drug with no side effects, other than a second chance for life. It will prevent other families from getting that call that will change their life forever," said Moore.

The Hattiesburg Police Department currently has 36 doses of narcan.

However, police said they will have more in the near future.

"We can then put them in every patrol car, every traffic car, every officer's car. So, that whoever is the first one on the scene can be able to use them," said Hattiesburg Police Officer, Lt. Jon Traxler.

Mayor, Johnny DuPree appreciates James Moore for showing the city why opioid overdose and reversal training is important.

"I can't give enough credit to Mr. James Moore who has been really an advocate to doing this. To make sure that we take care of that vulnerable population that we have who sometimes we're going to have to continue to train even when they're 20 or 21 year's old. But, to continue to take care of them because they're not able to take care of themselves. And, to push them and guide them into the right direction," said DuPree.

All other first responders will have narcan as well.