By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark security officer is being praised for quick action that likely saved three lives after administering Narcan to men suffering from opioid overdoses in the parking lot of a New Community Corporation (NCC) residence.
According to information released by NCC officials, Security Officer Ms. Satoya Williams was on duty at Commons Senior, located at 140 South Orange Avenue, on November 17 when a resident alerted her to two men lying unresponsive outside the building.
Trusting her instincts, Williams grabbed a dose of Narcan before heading to the scene.
Upon arrival, NCC officials said she found one man unconscious and the other struggling to stay on his feet.
Recognizing the signs of an overdose, Williams immediately contacted the Security Base Station to call paramedics and administered Narcan to the unresponsive man.
“I asked the other man, ‘Can I please give you this to stop you from passing out?’ At first, he refused, but when he realized he couldn’t stand, he agreed,” Williams recounted.
Before paramedics arrived, Williams also discovered a third man slumped between two cars and assisted.
Though none of the men were residents of the NCC complex, Williams said she felt a responsibility to intervene.
“If they’re on our property, we are the first responders until help arrives,” she said.
Williams had never used Narcan before but carefully followed the instructions on the box.
NCC Security Operations Manager Derek White commended Williams for her decisive response.
“Officer Williams’ quick thinking and ability to stay calm under pressure not only saved lives but highlighted the level of dedication and preparedness our Security team strives for,” White said. “She’s an invaluable asset to our department and deserves recognition for her heroism.”
Despite the praise, Williams insists she acted purely out of compassion.
“I didn’t do it for recognition,” she said. “I did it because they were human beings, and it was the right thing to do.”
Reflecting on the experience, Williams shared that her motivation stems from personal loss. 
“My father struggled with addiction, and I would have wanted someone to help him if he needed it,” she said.
Williams hopes the incident underscores the importance of Narcan and encourages other security officers to view it as a vital tool in emergencies.