A local police officer is being hailed for saving at least eight people’s lives this year.

Ellenville Police Officer Richard Jacobs has responded to several drug overdose calls in Ulster County this year. Since Jan. 2016, Jacobs has used Narcan eight times, which has saved the life of all eight, the Ellenville Police Department reports.

“Since the inception of the Narcan program, several members of the Ellenville Police Department have had to administer this life saving substance numerous times to subjects who have overdosed from the use of heroin,” Chief of Police Phillip S. Mattracion stated.

Jacobs, a 24-year veteran of the Ellenville Police Department, has received a number of awards during his career. He was recently given an award for saving a life while on patrol.

He spotted on unconscious male, lying face down in a snow bank. The man was suffering from hypothermia. If not for the quick actions of Jacobs, the man would have died, officials say.

“It was with great pride that this agency recognize the heroic actions of Officer Jacobs, and the profound impact he has had in saving the lives of the people affected by this growing epidemic of heroin opiate addiction,” Mattracion said.

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