A New Jersey teacher was charged last week after he suffered a fentanyl overdose in front of his middle school students. The Westfield Police Department released a statement on Friday identifying the teacher as 57-year-old Frank Thompson.
Students saw Thompson "unconscious and unresponsive on the classroom floor," the statement read. A nurse and resource officer were able to resuscitate Thompson before EMS arrived. He has been charged with several offenses, including endangering the welfare of children.
The incident occurred back in November.
Police Chief Christopher Battiloro announced that the incident occurred on November 29, 2022, at Roosevelt Intermediate School in Westfield, an affluent suburb of New York City in New Jersey.
That morning around 9, school resource officer Fortunato Riga notified police that there was an unconscious teacher at the school. The school nurse aided Riga in treating the man, who Riga reportedly recognized as showing signs of a drug overdose. Riga administered Narcan, and Thompson began to show signs of improvement.
Thompson allegedly stored some of a drug stash at school.
Police investigated the scene, including Thompson's classroom, as they suspected drugs were involved in his medical emergency. Officials found "a quantity of a suspected controlled dangerous substance and various items of drug paraphernalia were located in a closet in the classroom," the statement read.
The discovery lead to a bevy of charges.
School officials quickly addressed the situation.
The school district sent a note home to parents indicating the classroom was "sealed off and then sanitized," according to Fox 5 New York. School Superintendent Raymond González said the children are the district's utmost priority.
"While the Westfield Public School District cannot comment on personnel matters which are confidential, we will maintain a continued focus on student and staff safety and on preserving the integrity of the classroom learning environment," González said. "We are grateful for our strong partnership with the Westfield Police Department."
Police commended Riga for his quick thinking.
Battiloro explained in the department's statement that Riga did his job protecting the students, which is why he is there. The relationship between the police and the district is essential in keeping the children safe.
"The Westfield Police Department continues to prioritize its ongoing partnership with the Westfield Public School System to ensure it has the safety and security resources it needs on a daily basis," Battiloro noted. "In this case, the swift actions of Officer Riga, who is on-site at Roosevelt Intermediate each school day, proved instrumental in maintaining the safety of the students and administering potentially life-saving measures to Mr. Thompson."
The situation was upsetting to many people.
The police department's Facebook page is filled with comments of despair regarding the teacher's alleged choice to bring drugs into the classroom, making a potentially deadly decision.
"While drug addiction is real and does impact all segments of society, that doesn't excuse what he did," one person wrote. "Punishment is appropriate in this case followed by mandated drug rehabilitation. I agree he needs help but first he has to face the consequences for his behavior."
"This is by far the most unfortunate drug rescue story that's been posted," another comment read.
Others posted comments of concern for Thompson and hope that he will get help for his addiction.
"I am so sorry to hear this and hope this opens the door for a healing journey. He needs help and not ridicule," someone else wrote. "He was always kind to my kids and I wish the best for him and his young family."
"My kids love Mr Thompson and his classes," a parent commented. "They are deeply concerned for him right now. We're all praying for him and his recovery."
Thompson has been charged with multiple offenses.
According to the police department release, Thompson had fentanyl in his classroom the day of the overdose. He was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and endangering the welfare of children. It is unclear whether he is still employed by the school district. He was still listed as a teacher on the schools' website.
Thompson is due in court on February 1.
