When Fentanyl claims a life in our community, law enforcement and crime scene investigators respond to the scene. The Victim Response Team shows up for family members grieving the sudden loss of their loved one. The Northern Colorado Drug Task Force gets involved. Investigators work to trace the fatal dose back to the dealer. 

While identifying them takes work, the biggest challenge comes in building a strong, evidence-based case that proves the dealer’s direct involvement in the lethal drug sale. Northern Colorado law enforcement agencies have successfully blazed this trail since the new Unlawful Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death law - a class 1 drug felony - was added to state law in 2022. 

These courtroom wins have saved countless lives by taking dealers off the street. But once the legal process concludes, what happens for the families at the epicenter of these devastating cases? 

“The investigation closes, but the family’s journey doesn’t end,” said Dan Bontz, a Loveland Police Department detective assigned to the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force. After witnessing the destruction that Fentanyl is causing in our region and across the country, Bontz became a dedicated advocate for supporting families throughout the criminal process and beyond. He educates law enforcement professionals nationwide about the resources available for families impacted by overdose death.

Through his work at the NCDTF, Bontz became involved in the Voices for Awareness/Facing Fentanyl organization and was elected to their advisory board in 2024. This Colorado-based non-profit serves families around the country and offers a path for awareness, healing, and keeping memories alive. Facing Fentanyl also provides families with banners and posters they can bring to memorial events, as well as printed materials featuring Fentanyl facts and photos of those who lost their lives.

“The world needs to know their story. The world needs to see their face,” said Bontz. After nearly 30 years in law enforcement, he’s seen his fair share of tragedy, but his compassion remains steady. He also began giving families a starfish token - a reference to the adage about a child returning stranded starfish to the ocean, one by one. It’s an affirmation to families that their person’s life mattered, and that their legacy can help prevent tragedy, one life at a time. 

How to Take Action

• Learn more about Fentanyl facts and have a conversation with family and friends: https://facingfentanylnow.org/fentanyl-facts/
   
• Carry Narcan. View a map of kiosks where people can pick it up for free, no questions asked, in Northern Colorado: https://northcoloradohealthalliance.org/naloxone/ 
   
• Visit the Facing Fentanyl Angel Gallery. People can also add a photo of a loved ones they've lost: https://facingfentanylnow.org/memorial-gallery/