VALENTINE, Neb. - As the country battles its deadliest drug epidemic in history, President Joe Biden has declared this week Overdose Awareness Week. Here's a closer look at how local first responders are gearing up to save lives when every second counts during an overdose.

As Valentine police officers work to keep their town safe, they’re encountering illegal drugs more often.

“Fentanyl, oxycodone, that kind of thing we find on a regular basis,” Valentine Police Chief Dana Miller said.

It’s not just Valentine. Across Nebraska and the entire nation, the United States is grappling with its deadliest drug epidemic, much of it driven by opioids like fentanyl.

“Unfortunately, it’s really just a matter of time until it affects our community,” Miller said.

To better protect their community, area law enforcement now carry Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses if administered quickly.

“We’re often the first ones there, and if somebody is in crisis with an overdose, it’s important for us to be able to help them,” Miller said.

“Most of the time I’ve used it has been in the emergency room as a nurse, but I have it as an EMT as well,” Jocille Brinda said.

Brinda is both a registered nurse and an EMT in Cherry County. She has Narcan on hand for both jobs and notices more of a need during these summer months.

“We have a lot of visitors who come for recreational opportunities and bring their other recreational opportunities with them,” Brinda said.

You can now even buy Narcan over-the-counter, but Brinda stresses that if someone is overdosing, you still need to seek professional medical help.

“Because that Narcan is going to last a few moments, and those drugs can last hours,” Brinda said.

Which can mean the difference between life and death.