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Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom SHERIFF'S OFFICE -- The exterior of the Piscataquis County Sheriff's Office and Piscataquis County Jail in Dover-Foxcroft, pictured in a file photo from 2017.
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom SHERIFF'S OFFICE -- The exterior of the Piscataquis County Sheriff's Office and Piscataquis County Jail in Dover-Foxcroft, pictured in a file photo from 2017.

2 Piscataquis corrections officers recognized for saving inmate’s life

Valerie Royzman •April 19, 2023

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Two corrections officers at the Piscataquis County Jail received recognition Tuesday for saving the life of an inmate who had overdosed on opioids.

Jean Larson and Scott Richards administered CPR and multiple units of naloxone — more commonly known as Narcan, a medication that reverses overdoses — to save the inmate, though it’s unclear when the incident happened.

Sheriff Robert Young and Michelle Lacroix, the jail’s administrator, presented certificates to the officers during a county commissioners meeting Tuesday morning. They also received pins to wear on their uniforms.

Young wanted to recognize the officers in a public setting because their work often goes unnoticed compared to others in law enforcement, he said. Just this weekend, corrections and patrol officers worked together to intercept fentanyl being brought into jail, he said.

“Standing here today are two corrections officers that followed instructions that resulted in the saving of a human life,” Lacroix said. “They drew on their own resources and acted spontaneously.”

Larson and Richards performed their duties with humility and humbleness, she said.

Young also highlighted that the sheriff’s office has Lt. Jamie Kane assigned to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. His efforts are making a difference and benefitting the entire county, he said.

Here are other highlights from Tuesday’s meeting:

  • Commissioners approved the 2023 hazard mitigation plan with a minor update. The plan, put together by the Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency with input from the public, helps communities prevent and deal with natural and human-caused disasters.
  • Commissioners selected a $179,000 bid for the Blackstone Brook Bridge project in Blanchard. They also opened bids and chose a $148,750 bid for a road project involving Dyer Road and John Doore Road.
  • Commissioners OK’ed a liquor license renewal for Nesowadnehunk Lake Wilderness Campground at T4 R10, Millinocket, owned by Leo Purington.

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