SHEBOYGAN- A convenience store owner is taking a bold stand against the heroin epidemic he's experienced in his community and beyond. Dick Hiers has seen more 30 customers die from an overdose in the last nine months. The owner of the BP at 9th and Erie is leaving messages about the dangers of heroin on his marquee for all to see.
"It's been very tough for me to get to have anybody in the community to do anything about what's going on," said Hiers, Northeast Standard BP station.
Hiers has put up about a dozen messages over the last four months. He signs them all, heroin. The latest message says, "More deaths by overdose than drugs or cars." The owner has reported several incidents to police related to drug use in his store.
"Within 10 minutes-15 minutes after they've done it they're acting differently, and in fact we've found baggies floating in the toilet."
He says heroin use is totally out of control and his customers believe if anyone can bring attention to the problem, it's Hiers.
"He's always been anti-drug....and a lot of these kids are really suffering from this heroin overdose and it's really ridiculous and somebody needs to stop it," explained Pam Stelle, Sheboygan.
"It can't hurt. It can't hurt. I think the more people know about it the more help we might be able to get," said Todd Themar, Sheboygan.
The signs are gaining attention.
"I think it's just a beautiful thing that he's doing," said Daniele Mitchell, Sheboygan.
This is exactly what Heirs was hoping for.
"I'm overwhelmed at the response," expressed Hiers.
The owner hopes his signs will make people speak up if they know someone affected by heroin.
Several agencies will hold an event called "Pray at the Pump" June 29 at 6 p.m. to bring awareness to the dangers of heroin.