Caught on Camera: Florida Deputy Saved From Fentanyl Exposure
When Florida Deputy Nick Huzior reported for duty one hot August morning earlier this year, it’s unlikely he expected to overdose on drugs. Then again, with large scale fentanyl arrests on the rise and most of those arrests coming off traffic stops, the Flagler County Deputy Sheriff was most likely braced for anything.
Good thing too. Because the footage captured on his body warn camera showed the Florida Deputy did indeed come into contact with the deadly opioid. It also showed he was able to keep his cool, despite his life literally being on the line.
“I feel light-headed,” Deputy Sheriff Huzior told his colleague. “Call EMS.”
Fortunately that colleague — Deputy First Class Kyle Gaddie — was as calm, cool and collected as Deputy Huzior. And he immediately began life-saving efforts
Those efforts of course center around Narcan, the overdose-reversing drug that has become a mainstay in every law enforcement officer’s arsenal. In fact, with America’s overdose death rate continuing to set records, everyone is advised to have Narcan on hand.
And not just a single dose either. For as the incident with Florida Deputy Huzior makes clear, most overdoses require at least a double dose of Narcan.
We got the story from News4Jax, who posted Deputy Huzior’s body cam footage on its YouTube page, where it’s been viewed nearly a million times.
News4Jax reporter Vic Micolucci also delved into the story – on air, as well as on the hews outlet’s own website. In fact, it was there where we learned the story behind the story.
A Florida Deputy Finds Fentanyl
According to Micolucci’s report, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said “the incident began when several people called 911 to report a reckless driver who had fled a hit-and-run in the city of Bunnell and then continued to drive recklessly on State Road 11.”
“The callers said the driver ran off the road several times and almost caused several more crashes.”
“Eventually, the driver stopped on his own at 15150 SR 11, and bystanders stood by with the driver until law enforcement arrived.”
That’s when Florida Deputies Huzior and Gaddie arrived on the scene and found 61-year-old George Clemons of Crescent City in the driver’s seat with the car keys under his leg.
“The Deputies also saw narcotics, an empty Bud Light can and a mini “shooter” of alcohol in plain view inside the vehicle.”
Since Clemons refused to conduct field sobriety exercises, he was placed under arrest and charged with DUI.
“That’s when Huzior started field testing the narcotics that were found in the car.”
The Charges
Clemons was eventually hit with a litany of charges, including DUI, fentanyl possession, cocaine possession, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of a legend drug without a prescription, possession of suboxone and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Bunnell Police Department also charged Clemons with leaving the scene of a crash with property or vehicle damage in connection with the hit-and-run in their jurisdiction.
“What happened yesterday is a perfect example of the dangers law enforcement face each and every day from poison on the streets,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Thankfully our deputies are well trained and equipped with Narcan which allowed DFC Gaddie to potentially save the life of a fellow deputy. I would also like to thank the good Samaritans who stopped to check on Deputy Huzior and Gaddie while they were waiting for EMS as well as Flagler County Fire Rescue and AdventHealth Palm Coast for taking care of him.”
Healing Properties Salutes the Florida Deputies
Healing Properties wholeheartedly salutes Florida Deputy Huzior, as well as Deputy First Class Gaddie. Both exhibited extraordinary composure during what could easily have been a tragic situation. And both deserve all the respect in the world.
We also salute the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Staly is obviously doing something right — a few somethings in fact. Because his deputies are as well-trained as they are well-prepared. We hazard to even speculate on what may have happened had they <i>not</i> been trained and prepared.
We also hope the footage reminds everyone of two things — the risk that accompanies every interaction with fentanyl, and the added risk law enforcement officers now must take on account of the lethal opioid. These officers are risking their lives on the behalf of the people they serve. They deserve our respect, as well as our gratitude.
Speaking of which, have you come a little too close to fentanyl lately? Would you like to rid your life of the deadly risk? It’s doable you know. Definitely doable. And it all begins with a phone call. Whaddya say?
Flagler County Sheriff Deputy Image Courtesy News4Jax.
