A volunteer service group made up of law enforcement personnel who help the victims of overdoses were awarded by a national group.

In his briefing to Chillicothe City Council, Mayor Luke Feeney mentioned that P.O.R.T., the “Post-Overdose Response Team,” were honored last week.

In a post on their Facebook page, PORT reported that some of them attended the Ohio Deflection Association’s Quick Response Team (QRT) national summit.

“For the first time ever, PORT was nominated and awarded the Outstanding QRT, Outreach and Engagement Initiatives” [in a] medium-sized community (25,000-100,000 [population])…

“Ross County PORT has strived to reduce overdoses, provide harm reduction materials, offer support and foster hope.

“We have such an incredible group of people on our team. We are thankful for this award but most of all thankful for what we have been able to accomplish in the community!”

Feeney told me that the Chillicothe Police and Ross County Sheriff’s Department members of PORT know the problems with drug abuse, but look for solutions.

He said they came together after opioid overdoses skyrocketed. After an overdose occurs, Feeney said PORT shows up – usually the next day – to connect with the family, and sometimes the victim, to make sure they know what resources are available for them.

In March of 2018, the Chillicothe Gazette wrote about PORT in “After two years, Post Overdose Response Team reflects, stays on task.”

Feeney also pointed out that there were three significant structure fires over the weekend – a cluster within 72 hours. He complimented the firefighters, and said that everyone involved is safe.

See and hear Monday’s council session in their archived Facebook and Youtube video (with closed-captioning available), and hear Feeney in his own words in the below interview video.

Find more in the article on the Scioto Post, including a video interview with Feeney.

Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.

Bill Handel