Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller visited the Columbus Police Department (CPD) Thursday afternoon to recognize local law-enforcement for saving the lives of those who were going through drug overdoses.

Zoeller was joined by Mayor Jim Lienhoop, CPD Chief Jon Rohde and a number of officers from the CPD and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s

Department. The Attorney General spoke about drug addiction and how it is affecting communities across Indiana. He thanked officers for their efforts to combat heroin and other drugs, noting that police rarely receive a “thank you” from the people whose lives are being saved. Zeller also credited work done on the state level that made it possible for police to carry, and administer, Narcan, a drug that counteracts the affects of an opioid overdose.

The Attorney General recognized a number of officers from the CPD and the Sheriff’s Department who have saved lives using Narcan. CPD Spokesman Lt. Matt Harris says that five officers were recognized for using the life-saving medication during the course of their duties. They were: Ben Goodin, Justin Black, Clayton Nolting, Matt Martindale, and Jeremy Jones. On the Sheriff’s Department side, Zoeller recognized: Leah Burton, Matt Bush and Justin Arnholt.

Mayor Lienhoop also thanked the officers, noting the importance of their work. Both the Mayor, and Attorney General Zoeller, indicated that the drug situation will likely get worse before it gets better.