Officer lauded for saving child who ingested fentanyl

AKRON, Ohio (WJW) — Akron police Detective Larry Rhodaback was honored for helping save the life of a girl who became unconscious after ingesting fentanyl.

It happened Jan. 11, according to a news release. Rhodaback was working his second job at Martin P. Lauer Apartments when a man approached him carrying his unconscious child.

Twins accused of switching places in crash that killed 2 kids in Amish buggy

Rhodaback performed CPR until EMS workers arrived and took over life-saving measures. Later at the hospital, officials discovered the child had ingested fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.

The child was put in the care of county children services workers while investigators worked to determine how the child ingested the drug.

Amber Alert suspect identified as local school employee

Summit County Councilmember John Schmidt on Monday presented Rhodaback with a commendation.

“We want to thank Detective Rhodaback for his quick action assisting this child and ultimately saving their life,” Schmidt is quoted in a news release. “We have seen the devastating impact fentanyl has had on our community and as this event illustrates, not even children are immune to its harm.”

Fentanyl was responsible for only 8% of drug deaths in Summit County in 2007. By 2022, it had risen to 91%. More non-natural deaths in the county are caused by overdoses than falls and suicide combined, according to the release.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.