TAMPA, Fla. — All patrol deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will carry Narcan to better assist people in a medical emergency, Sheriff Chad Chronister said Wednesday.

The office will receive 2,300 doses of Narcan through a grant from the Department of Health Helping Emergency Responders Obtain Support Program.

All patrol personnel up to the rank of lieutenant, court services, crime scene personnel and K9 deputies will carry Narcan, which is used as treatment for suspected opioid overdoses.

"We as a community must take steps to break the cycle of addiction and help those who are caught up in this deadly epidemic," Chronister said. "I am hopeful that the additional doses of Narcan will save even more lives and result in treatment sought by those who are addicted."  

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue will receive 3,800 doses of Narcan through the same program.