By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
Claremont Police Sgt. Michael Puksta, Claremont Fire Lt. William Hardy and Firefighter Sam Sherrill are being praised for their roles in saving the life of a baby overdosing on fentanyl.
Last week, local police and fire officials responded quickly and efficiently when receiving a 911 call for a 9-month old baby who was overdosing on suspected fentanyl. On Tuesday, Claremont Fire Chief Jim Chamberlain was happy to report that it appears the baby will make a full recovery after being administered a dose of Narcan.
“Everything that I have been led to believe is that this is going to be a good positive ending, to what was a pretty tragic beginning,” Chamberlain said.
On Sept. 20, Claremont Safety Services were dispatched to the area of Main Street and Union Streets in Claremont for the report of a baby in a vehicle overdosing on fentanyl. Police Chief Brent Wilmont explained that the mother was not with the baby when the incident occurred, but allegedly received a call from an adult male telling her what he suspected had happened. The reportedly mother went home, took the baby in her vehicle, and headed toward Valley Regional Hospital. While en route, she called 911 and was instructed to pull the vehicle over.
Puksta intercepted the vehicle and administered the dose of Narcan. Chamberlain said that two members of the fire department, Hardy and Sherrill, played vital roles in saving the baby’s life.
With officials at the scene in less than a minute in a time where every second counts, Chamberlain commended them for their swift response and level of focus during a critical situation.
“This shows the collaboration, willingness and readiness of Claremont Emergency Services when we have incidents that are high stress and a high probability of a bad outcome,” Chamberlain said. “Emergency Services from the fire department, the police department and Golden Cross all worked collectively and effectively. It was truly humbling from my perspective.”
Charlestown Police Lt. John Graham said that it appears that this was an accident and not intentional. As the home where the incident took place is in Charlestown, the situation is under investigation by the Charlestown Police Department. The Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) was contacted and is actively working on this matter.
Charges are expected and Graham said the case will be forwarded to the county attorney’s office.
Anyone with information is asked to call Lt. Graham of the Charlestown Police Department at 603-826-5747.
