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Three San Diego County Probation employees earned a Hero Award from the San Diego Business Chamber for their quick action that saved a man’s life during an opioid overdose downtown.

“The officers demonstrated exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to public service. Their actions brought great credit to themselves and to the Probation Department,” said San Diego County Probation Chief Tamika Nelson.

The Chamber honored them Sept. 26 during its annual “Honoring Our Region’s Heroes” event.

Deputy Probation Officers Amanda Allsberry and Lino Rojas and Probation Aide Stephanie Roach were walking on West C Street near the Hall of Justice on July 6 when they saw a man lying motionless in the intersection at India Street, Probation Division Chief Maritza Rodriguez said.

Recognizing the danger, they moved in immediately. The man was unresponsive and breathing irregularly — clear signs of an opioid overdose.

Rojas called 911 while Allsberry assessed the man and cleared his airway, which was blocked by vomit. She placed him in the recovery position and tried to wake him. When he remained unresponsive, she determined he needed Naloxone.

Roach took over communication with dispatchers and relayed key information, including the timing of care. After Allsberry administered the first dose of Naloxone, the man vomited again. She kept his airway clear, but he still did not respond.

The team located a Metropolitan Transit System officer who had another Naloxone dose. Allsberry administered a second dose five minutes after the first.

This time, the man’s breathing deepened and stabilized. The officers kept him in the recovery position until police and paramedics arrived.

First responders later found a large butcher knife in the man’s pocket. Because the Probation team had already stabilized him and secured the scene, no one was injured.

The man regained consciousness a short time later with paramedic support. Rodriguez said the team’s coordinated, calm response l likely prevented a fatal overdose.

County Probation’s top priority is keeping people safe, including those in their care, department staff and the community.