New Community Security personnel protect the organization’s property, residents and clients. But they sometimes go beyond that scope to help those in need. Security Officer Satoya Williams recently administered Narcan, a drug used to reverse an opioid overdose, to three men in the parking lot of an NCC residence while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
Williams was on duty at Commons Senior, 140 South Orange Ave., Newark, on Nov. 17 when a resident informed her that two men were lying on the ground in the building’s parking lot. Her first instinct was to bring Narcan with her when she went outside to investigate.
“One of the guys was completely out and the other one was going down so I knew it was something related to them being high,” Williams said.
She notified the Security Base Station to call for paramedics and administered Narcan to the unconscious man. She spoke with the other man.
“I asked him, ‘Can I please give you this to avoid you passing out?’ At first, he was saying no, but when he saw that he couldn’t stand up, he was like, ‘Give it to me,’” Williams said.
She administered Narcan to him as well. She located a third man between two cars shortly before paramedics arrived.
None of the men were New Community residents, but Williams said that didn’t matter.
“If they’re on our property, we are the first responders before anyone else gets there,” she said.
Williams had never administered Narcan before but followed the instructions on the box.
New Community Security Operations Manager Derek White praised Williams for her actions.
“Officer Williams’ quick thinking and decision-making in administering Narcan to the men not only saved lives, but it demonstrates the dedication and preparedness that our Security team strives for,” White said. “She is a valuable asset to our department and deserves to be commended for her heroism.”
Williams said she didn’t take action that day to receive accolades.
“I don’t care about recognition for it,” she said. “I did it because they were human and it was the right thing to do.”
She said everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves help and has families that love them.
“My father was on drugs and I would’ve wanted someone to do everything in their power to help him if he needed that help before he passed away,” she said.
Williams hopes the incident at Commons Senior raises awareness about Narcan and that her fellow Security officers know that it’s available to them as a resource and understand the importance of using it when necessary.
