Hours before International Overdose Awareness Day, Rye police said an officer made a timely, life-saving rescue of a man suspected of having overdosed on opioids.
A statement issued Monday by Rye Public Safety Commissioner Michael Kopy said Rye police officer Lauren Duffy responded to the reported overdose on Sunday and found a man unresponsive, not breathing, and not responding to stimuli.
The incident took place at the Westchester Beach Club, and the victim is 29, police said. The victim is not from Rye, police said, but they declined to say where he lives.
Recognizing the signs of a suspected opioid overdose, Duffy immediately administered Narcan (naloxone), a nasal spray designed to rapidly reverse the effects of a life-threatening opioid emergency. The individual quickly regained consciousness and began breathing.
All city police officers are equipped with Narcan and trained to recognize and respond to suspected opioid overdoses.
“We commend Police Officer Duffy for recognizing the signs of an overdose and taking immediate action, which ultimately saved this young man’s life,” said Kopy’s statement.
Duffy joined Rye PD in April 2025 after three years with the NYPD.
International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized globally on Monday, Aug. 31. This year’s theme, “25 Years On. Still Needed.”, marks 25 years of bringing people together to remember those lost to overdose and take action to prevent future deaths.
“Overdose continues to affect every community,” County Executive Ken Jenkins said Monday. “This year’s theme reminds us that, despite the progress we’ve made, there is still more work to do.”
The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health will hold a solemn ceremony for International Overdose Awareness Day at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the White Plains Public Library.
“By speaking openly about both the challenges of addiction and the paths to recovery,” Jenkins said, “we can reduce stigma, expand access to support, and save lives.”
Monday’s county event will bring together community organizations and advocates to speak about recovery, reflect on those lost to overdose, and share information on prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.
“Yesterday’s incident serves as a reminder that drug overdoses can affect individuals, families, and communities everywhere,” Kopy said. “Overdoses are preventable, and timely intervention can save lives.”
Anyone struggling with substance use, or concerned about a loved one, can contact the New York State OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY to 467369 for free and confidential support, information, and referrals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
