The St. Clairsville Police Department unveils a fentanyl hood, the department’s newest piece of protective equipment for officers who must handle the dangerous substance. It will be available to other departments in the county. Photo Provided

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The St. Clairsville Police Department acquired a new piece of equipment for the safety of its officers.

In the face of increasing drug activity across Belmont County, city Police Chief Matt Arbenz said the protective device will be invaluable for officers carrying out their duties.

“Upon recognizing the inherent dangers of exposure to fentanyl and other harmful substances either used as intoxicating drugs or used to manufacture those drugs, and given that our officers are responsible for separating and packaging those dangerous substances to send to the lab for testing, we have installed a laminar flow hood that is capable of making sure the officer will not accidentally be exposed to or inhale those substances while processing them,” Arbenz wrote in a news release. “We have extended the invitation to all law enforcement agencies in Belmont County to use this equipment whenever they need it.”

He said the dangers associated with fentanyl are a major concern.

“Knowing what our officers come into contact with on the job and seeing countless videos and reports of them getting exposed, collapsing and being hospitalized if they are lucky enough to not be alone has been a huge concern for us for some time, I’m very grateful to have any equipment that makes our job safer.”