A heroin overdose reversal medication soon will be carried by Binghamton police officers.

Mayor Richard David says the drug naloxone, which is marketed under the name Narcan, is to be issued to officers starting early next month.

The Binghamton Fire Department, which already has Narcan for EMS responders, will oversee the training of police officers.

Binghamton has acquired 25 Narcan kits at a cost of $1,500.

Last month, Broome County Sheriff David Harder announced sixty department vehicles would carry the medication in response to a surge of heroin overdose deaths.

Other local police agencies could soon be equipping their officers with Narcan.

Vestal police chief John Butler says he's considering obtaining the kits for his department. He notes all officers would have to be trained in its use.

Endicott police chief Michael Cox also is considering Narcan for his agency. He says he "could see the value in it" given the increasing number of heroin overdoses occurring in the region.

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