A Cobourg police officer was rushed to Northumberland Hills Hospital after believed to have been overcome with Fentanyl on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
At approximately 8:16 p.m. emergency services were dispatched to Victoria Park near Paul Currelly Way for a female police officer that had been overcome with Fentanyl.
(Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services were originally dispatched at 8:11 p.m., but soon after it was determined by Peterborough Dispatch the emergency was in Cobourg)
Reports indicated the officer was down after being exposed to the drug and paramedics were busy at another emergency.
One dose of Narcan had been administered, and the officer was conscious but shallow breathing with limbs going numb.
A paramedic supervisor was on scene when members of the Cobourg Fire Department arrived on scene at 8:22 p.m.
The officer was rushed to hospital and members of the Cobourg Fire Department returned the police cruiser to the Cobourg Police Station.
While at the station firefighters learned the person that had been arrested as a result of the investigation in Victoria Park was experiencing similar symptoms and fire crews remained on scene until paramedics arrived.
Press Release from Cobourg Police
A Cobourg Police Service officer was exposed to fentanyl during a warrant arrest earlier this evening. A 33-year-old Cobourg woman is facing charges.
On September 21, at approximately 7:45 p.m., police on patrol observed an individual wanted on a bench warrant. During the arrest, one officer began exhibiting symptoms consistent with opioid exposure. A second officer on scene immediately administered naloxone, and the officer was transported to the hospital for treatment. The officer is currently in fair condition.
Desiree Irwin (33) of Cobourg was arrested on the strength of a bench warrant for causing disturbance, failing to comply with probation, failing to attend court, failing to attend prints, and was further charged with Possession of a schedule 1 substance (fentanyl). The accused was held for bail.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
