Police Sergeant Saves a 29-Year-Old Woman's Life

Photo Credit: North Andover Police Department

A veteran North Andover police sergeant, who also serves as the department’s medical officer, revived a 29-year-old woman from a heroin overdose by administering Narcan and performing rescue breathing on Friday.

“We’re all trained in administering Narcan,” said Police Lt. Eric J.Foulds. “This is the first time Sgt. (Daniel) Lanen used it in the field.”

Sgt. Daniel Lanen was eating his lunch around noon on his break from working a construction detail at the North Andover Mall on Friday, when he saw a woman pull another woman from a car. The woman placed the other woman on the ground. Sgt. Lanen went over to the women to see if he could help.

The woman was not breathing, and Sgt. Lanen immediately recognized signs of an opiate overdose, and administered his department issued Naloxone (Narcan).

Sgt. Lanen immediately began rescue breathing for the victim, and continued his rescue efforts as other officers arrived.

The woman, who is from Lowell, soon regained consciousness and began breathing on her own. The victim was transported to Lawrence General Hospital.

“If not for Sgt. Lanen’s actions and swift response,” Lt. Foulds said, “The outcome of this could have resulted in another death from opiate addiction.”