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The Butler County Sheriff’s Office has enhanced its emergency response capabilities with the recent purchase of 22 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and first aid kits, now placed in every patrol vehicle as well as in the Butler County Jail, the Sheriff’s Office and the courthouse.

“When someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest, every second counts,” said Sheriff David Scruggs in a recent media release. “Having AEDs in our patrol units and key county facilities ensures our deputies and staff are equipped to respond immediately and potentially save lives — whether it’s a member of the public or one of our own.”

The initiative was funded by the Alabama Opioid Settlement Fund Grant Program, which distributes money from legal settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors to support efforts that prevent, treat and respond to opioid abuse and related emergencies.

Scruggs noted that the equipment is a vital tool not only for opioid-related incidents but for a wide range of medical emergencies. He also emphasized that the speed of law enforcement response often makes the difference in critical situations. 

“Because sometimes we beat the ambulance there to the scene and if it’s needed, it’s there,” Scruggs said.