Adams County Fire Rescue Launches Fentanyl Awareness Campaign with New Fire Engine
ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. — In a powerful initiative to combat the growing fentanyl epidemic, the Adams County Fire Rescue (ACFR) unveiled its newly designed Fire Engine 11 on Friday. Unlike traditional fire trucks, this eye-catching vehicle is wrapped in bold red and black graphics prominently featuring warnings about the dangers of fentanyl.
Fire Chief Troy Patterson stated the aim is to engage the community and raise awareness about the alarming rise in fentanyl-related overdoses. “This is our effort to reach out to our community… Extensive work went into getting this wrapping in place,” said Patterson.
Engineer firefighter Mike Eason, who will operate Fire Engine 11, has observed a spike in overdose calls recently. He expressed concern that families often remain unaware of what their children are doing privately, leading to tragic discoveries of overdoses. “It’s scary. I don’t think there’s enough education going on as far as the dangers of fentanyl,” Eason added.
The personal impact of this crisis resonates deeply within the department, especially for firefighter Ben Ramos, who lost his brother to fentanyl in September 2019. Ramos described his brother as charismatic and loved by many, highlighting the profound loss experienced by families affected by fentanyl.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is extraordinarily dangerous, with half of the pills on the street containing a potentially lethal dose. It only takes one pill to result in death. Eason hopes Fire Engine 11 serves as a "rolling billboard" that captures attention and fosters conversations about the risks associated with fentanyl use.
The wrapped fire engine will be displayed throughout the community for approximately six months, serving as a continuous reminder of the ongoing fentanyl crisis and the need for heightened awareness and education.
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