The chief of police in Manchester has been named to a national task force aimed at addressing the opioid and heroin abuse crisis.
Chief Nick Willard is part of a 24-member joint task force announced Tuesday by the National League of Cities and the National Association of Counties.
Willard is the only law enforcement member on the task force, which is made up of mayors, commissioners, and other elected officials.
The group will explore ways to curb drug abuse and look to develop workshops and forums for cities and counties dealing with the epidemic.
New Hampshire saw a record 428 drug overdose deaths last year. Of those deaths, 96 were in Manchester.
Willard testified at a U.S. Senate hearing January, where he said the drug crisis is destroying families in the city and across the state.
