Crime & Safety

In the Blink of an Eye: Stories of Lives Lost to Drugs and Alcohol

Orland Fire Battalion Chief Mike Schofield led a seminar last week showing teens and parents the dangers of risky behavior, including texting or drinking while driving and drug use.

Mike Schofield wanted to raise awareness about rising drug use trends, especially heroin overdoses.

Over time the  battalion chief developed the Blink of An Eye seminar, combining the playing of an actual 911 call for a heroin overdose with true stories told from the people who lost a friend or loved one to drug or alcohol-releated circumstances.

Tami O'Brien's son Jason Casper is serving a 12-year prison sentence for the death of two teens caused by his intoxicated driving.

Find out what's happening in Homewood-Flossmoorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Brian Kirk found his son dead of a heroin overdose in his home.

Lisa, a Lockport Township High School graduate saw several peers succumb to drugs, some before the could graduate high school.

Find out what's happening in Homewood-Flossmoorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Schofield held a Blink of an Eye seminar with O'Brien, Kirk and Lisa on July 18, for a crowd of about 80 students, parents and concerned residents. Watch the above video for a recap of the seminar.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.