Pictured, from left, Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing accepts a donation from Dawn and Kirk Ritzel of Momma’s on Main in Waterloo while Valmeyer Police Chief Tom Andres looks on. (submitted photo)

After first responders brought Madelyn McGinnis back from an opioid overdose for the second time, the 19-year-old opened her eyes to the problem of her addiction.

“I just wasn’t in denial anymore after the second time I had overdosed and needed Narcan,” she said.

The Waterloo resident gained support from family to receive treatment, and she soon checked herself into a rehabilitation clinic. Her employer, Dawn Ritzel of Momma’s on Main in Waterloo, told McGinnis that her job would be waiting for her when she returned.

“I told her, ‘As long as you’re clean, come back,’” Ritzel said.

Madelyn McGinnis

Since then, McGinnis has been clean for three months and continues to work at the sub shop. Ritzel said she enjoys seeing McGinnis’ transformation and her helpful attitude.

“She’s just amazing. To see how she’s grown from when she was an addict to now is amazing,” Ritzel said.

McGinnis’ recovery became an inspiration for Dawn and her husband, Kirk Ritzel, to provide the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department with $1,400 to cover the cost of two doses of Narcan for every deputy and every Valmeyer police officer.

“It’s always nice to see that we have the community’s support,” Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing said.

The sheriff explained that his department was looking for a grant that would pay for the nasal spray — which blocks the effects of opioids and reverses an overdose — when Dawn called wanting to donate the money. Dawn said she had seen that the Waterloo VFW recently donated to the Waterloo Police Department and asked around to find out where the need for Narcan remained.

“I hope more businesses are able to do that, because once (officers) use it, they’ll need to buy more,” Dawn said.

Dawn continues to watch over her employee as well, knowing McGinnis has a lot to offer the community.

“I just kind of took her under my wing,” she said. “Our whole staff has. They go out to movies together (and other things). She’s away from those people now who got her into drugs. She’s with good people.”

Knowing that Dawn looks out for her in this way, McGinnis described how appreciative she is of her support.

“I couldn’t believe she would give me a second chance like that. The way Dawn cares for me is amazing,” she said.

McGinnis can also serve as an inspiration to addicts, as she said her recovery has become less burdensome over time.

“It gets easier every day. Sobriety becomes a routine just like doing drugs is a routine,” she said.