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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) met with Toledo Chief of Police George Kral and Toledo Fire Chief Brian Byrd today to discuss dangers that first responders face when encountering fentanyl. Multiple incidents have occurred in Lucas County in recent months when first responders have come into contact with the potent narcotic.

Congressman Latta is a leader in Congress on efforts to combat the opioid crisis. His legislation, the INFO Act, recently was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives along with dozens of other pieces of legislation addressing the crisis. Included in that package was the STOP Act, which would prevent the flow of fentanyl into the United States through the postal service.

“We’ve seen our communities in Ohio negatively affected by the opioid crisis,” said Latta. “One aspect of this epidemic is the threat that it poses to first responders who are trying to keep people safe. First, I commend the members of law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs that are on the front lines putting their health at risk. Second, we need to do all we can to decrease the threat of fentanyl. I want to thank Chief Kral, Chief Byrd, and all of the other personnel that took the time to meet with me today to discuss this issue and what needs to be done to keep our first responders safe from harm.”

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