Press Releases

HighLight the Rescue

On April 18, 2012 around 11pm members from the Stafford County Virginia Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver team were notified by a caretaker’s facility that an 89-year-old man with Dementia had gone missing. He was last seen exiting the facility around 8:45pm. Prior to notifying the search and rescue units, facility caretakers attempted two searches [...]

Autism is now Diagnosed in 1 out of every 88 Children

Autism is now Diagnosed in 1 out of every 88 Children
Stuart, Florida March 30, 2012: According to a new report released Thursday, March 29, 2012 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) new estimates show 1 out of every 88 children in the United States have autism. These new estimates, based on data [...]

Project Lifesaver International Archives a New Milestone with 2,500 Rescues

Project Lifesaver International
[...]

Check out Chief Saunder’s Interview on CNN Airport Radio Network

Chief Saunders Interview on CNN Airport Radio Network

2012 is looking to be an Exceptional Year 2,483 Successful Rescues & 53 New Agencies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Non-Profit Organization with a Clear Mission to Provide:
Safety, Security, and Rescue Services to
“At-Risk” Individuals with Cognitive Disorders
February 6, 2012 Stuart, Florida
Project Lifesaver International (PLI) is an innovative 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization that provides safety, security, and rescue support services to “at-risk” individuals of all ages, income levels, and backgrounds who have [...]

Copycats Beware!

Thirteen years ago, I founded Project Lifesaver to help law enforcement and a community which I saw was increasing. When I did this I envisioned the good in people and believed they would join with us in the effort. I should have known better, after all, I am a cop!
It appears we have opened a [...]

The Year in Review; 2011

The year 2011 has come to a close, ending one of the most exciting chapters in Project Lifesaver International’s (PLI) history. 2011 was a year filled with challenges, yet ending with solid growth and positioning us for significant continued expansion in this New Year. We developed new friendships and strengthened old ones. We received prestigious [...]

The Holidays & Autism: Challenges during the Holiday Season for Children Who Tend to Wander

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 23, 2011
(Stuart, Florida) The holiday season can be a particularly challenging time for both children with autism and their families. The value of planning for the holidays cannot be overestimated for those with sensory sensitivities, who thrive on routine, and are easily disoriented. The holidays are filled with sights, sounds, and smells. [...]

PROJECT LIFESAVER UNVIELS NEW TECHNOLOGY AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2011
PROJECT LIFESAVER UNVIELS NEW TECHNOLOGY AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Wristband Transmitter Design Triples the Effective Range for Recoveries
Stuart, FL: The Project [...]

Check Project Lifesaver out in Public Service Review: Health & Social Care, a publication from the UK

Project Lifesaver is on pages 58-59 check out the wonderful article and informative publication.
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?referral=other&pnum=&refresh=Wg61t30F50Db&EID=4cf4884e-443b-4728-a399-6a4fc9e8c8c3&skip”>

Chief Saunders reflects on His Memories from SPI

Here is the link
http://louisville.edu/spi/SPI_memories/viewmemories#captain-jarvis-saunders

Check Us Out on Assisted Living Directory

Project Lifesaver has been listed on another website regarding assisted living for the elderly. This site provides as a free useful tool for assisted living and senior care through educational videos with how to tutorials, articles, and way more! Check out the site and Project Lifesaver!

A Word from Chief Saunders

Again, the actions of others have led to a number of questions being submitted to Project Lifesaver. I refer to other organizations and their attempts to spread their presence.
First, we do not lease or mail order transmitters to caregivers. Our program is base with local organizations that control the placement and maintenance of them. They [...]

Project Lifesaver International’s 8th Annual Training Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
• Special Guest and Keynote Speaker Navy SEAL
• Training by renowned experts in safety, security, rescue, and care of individuals with cognitive disorders
• Co-Hosted by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office,Town of Palm beach Shores, and training and assistance from the Jupiter Police Department
August 19, 2011 – Palm Beach Gardens, [...]

Project Lifesaver International Art Gala Event on 9/14 “Your Loved Ones Has Got the Art Talent”

A Gala Event to Benefit Individuals with Cognitive Disorders

ArtGalaFlyer

(August 15, 2011) Palm Beach Gardens, FL: Project Lifesaver International will be hosting an art gala event on September 14, 2011 at the Publix Green-Wise Market in Palm Beach Gardens, FL from 4-7 p.m.
The event is being hosted by Publix Green-wise Market and is open [...]

Chief Highlights the 2011 Project Lifesaver International Training Conference

Well, we here at PLI have been very busy. First, we have been working on new equipment and designs to make searches more efficient and easier. Second, we have changed over our client data base from control of a for profit entity to our exclusive control. This was costly and difficult. We are currently working [...]

Elderly woman, 90 with Alzheimer’s rescued in New Jersey

On June 12, 2011 a 90-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s went missing mid-afternoon from her New Jersey residence. After 25 minutes of searching the woman’s daughter notified Project Lifesaver of Hudson County Sheriff’s Office and the Jersey City Police at 2:30 p.m. The search began as all units arrived. The woman was [...]

Project Lifesaver International Proudly supports Daniel Jang and his Ride for Alzheimer’s Awareness; 49 States, 4 corners and the Arctic Circle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2011 – Palm Beach Gardens, Florida,
On February 28, 2011 Daniel Jang lost his grandfather to the complex and progressive heartbreaking deterioration of Alzheimer’s disease. In order to bring awareness of the devastation Alzheimer’s disease brings to families and to honor his beloved grandfather, Daniel will set out on a grueling motorcycle [...]

Warmer months trigger wandering, 5 Rescues in less than a week for Project Lifesaver, over sixty since the middle of February.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Project Lifesaver International
Warmer months trigger wandering, 5 Rescues in less than a week for Project Lifesaver, over sixty since the middle of February.
June 6, 2011 – Palm Beach Gardens, Florida,
It is that time of year to be out and about. However, as the warmer months approach caregivers who have a loved one [...]

Your help can save the life of your loved one!

SUBJECT: Your help can save the life of a Child!
Autism is a lifelong developmental issue. It is a neurological disorder, which presents itself in a variety of symptoms and can affect many individuals differently. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries.
In a recently released 2011 National Autism Survey 50 % of parents of children [...]

Study on cell phones

Take a look on a recent survey done on cellular technology services that have a had numerous problems with service lost.
Here is the link: http://www.overclockersclub.com/news/28025/

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FOR THE 2011 PROJECT LIFESAVER INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

You’re not going to want to miss this years 2011 Project Lifesaver International’s Conference will be held in sunny Palm Beach Shores, Florida.

Project Lifesaver International Inducts Teen Artist with Highly Functional Autism, Haley Moss, as New Ambassador

Autism Awarenss Month

Autism Awareness Month
Hello everyone,
The Project Lifesaver International staff wanted to take a moment and reflect on an important matter that was brought to my attention on Autism. Being that this is Autism Awareness Month for everyone in the Autism Spectrum – no matter what their chronological age, here at Project Lifesaver International we [...]

PROJECT LIFESAVER RECEIVES POSITIVE REMARKS

This article from Enterprise.com recognizes Project Lifesaver with positive remarks.
Here is the link. http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/cops_and_courts/x1840140575/Thousands-of-adults-go-missing-across-the-country

Dementia patient found in Salinas

A 66-year-old dementia patient was found with the help of a tracking signal after he was reported missing on Friday night, deputies said.
At 9:58 p.m., the Salinas Police Department requested help from Monterey County Search and Rescue officials in the search for a missing man in the area of University Drive in Salinas.
At 8:47 p.m. [...]

Tracking device finds Cape Coral Alzheimer’s patient

:10 A.M. — For 30 minutes, Joanne Fredrickson was
thinking of worst-case scenarios.

Her mother, Joan Sulmonte, is an Alzheimer’s patient
who wandered from her home and went missing
Friday.

Project Lifesaver Releases Top Rescue and Milestones of 2010

Effectively Demonstrating the Success of Radio Frequency Technology in Helping Find Those with Cognitive Conditions Who Wander

January 3, 2011, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida – Project Lifesaver International, a non-profit organization that provides public safety agencies with equipment and training to quickly locate and rescue those with cognitive disorders who wander, today released their Top Milestones and Rescues of 2010. Currently, over 1,200 fire departments, police departments, sheriff’s offices, and EMS providers are members of Project Lifesaver International.

According to experts, nearly 60% of those with Alzheimer’s disease will wander at some point from the safety of their homes. In addition to this, many of these individuals will wander over and over again. In a recent National Autism Association survey, almost 92% of parents felt their autistic child was at risk of wandering from their care. Because of these alarming statistics, Project Lifesaver International was formed in 1999 to address this growing problem of wandering.

Public safety agencies participating on the program undergo extensive trainings and obtain radio frequency technology to locate those who go missing quickly and safely. Individuals enrolled in each community are provided with a radio transmitter, and should they become lost, agencies use this technology to hone in on a signal and identify the person’s exact location. To date, Project Lifesaver agencies have successfully located nearly 2,300 missing people, with no serious injuries or fatalities ever reported.

Effingham sheriff kicks off Project Lifesaver

Bracelet can help find residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia who may wander off

By MATTHEW GORICKI
SPRINGFIELD – Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie has been close with a few people who died of Alzheimer’s disease.

So when he heard of the nationwide Project Lifesaver program more than two years ago, he knew it was a service Effingham County needed to have.

McDuffie’s deputies wrapped up two days of Lifesaver training Wednesday at the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.

Project Lifesaver is designed to find missing people, particularly the elderly, who may be affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, and children with autism.

Autistic boy’s mom reflects, promotes life-saving device

It was one year ago this week that a seven-year-old autistic boy died after being lost in the woods in Cape Breton.

James Delorey wandered away from his home on Dec. 5. Hundreds of people joined in the search for him, but he was found two days later by Ground Search and Rescue. He died later that day in hospital.

The boy’s mother, Veronica Fraser, said she plans to spend the anniversary in quiet reflection.

Project Lifesaver International Helps Save Lives

Recent Rescues Demonstrate Effectiveness of Radio Frequency Technology in Helping Find Those with Cognitive Conditions Who Wander, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, & Down Syndrome

November 16, 2010 – Chesapeake, Virginia – Radio frequency technology is credited with helping save lives for individuals enrolled in the Project Lifesaver program.

Experts estimate that over 5 million people have Alzheimer’s disease, and the numbers are expecting to multiply in the years to come. Nearly 60% of people with Alzheimer’s will wander at some point during the progression of the disease, and many will wander repeatedly. Additionally, children with autism and Down syndrome also have a tendency to wander, and in a recent National Autism Association survey, nearly 92% of parents felt their autistic child was at risk of wandering away and becoming lost.

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – Project Lifesaver Emphasizes Importance of Proactive Approach to Finding Those with Alzheimer’s Disease Who Wander

November 9, 2010 – Chesapeake, VA – It might be one of the worst feelings in the world – turning your back for one second in the grocery store, or at the mall, or in your own home – only to learn your loved one has disappeared and is nowhere to be found.

This is the reality that many Alzheimer’s caregivers face throughout the country and nation. However, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Project Lifesaver would like to emphasize the importance of a researching and implementing a pro-active approach to finding those with Alzheimer’s disease who wander.

“It’s time for our public safety agencies, our caregivers, Alzheimer’s-related organizations, and Alzheimer’s advocates, to band together and recognize that Alzheimer’s disease is here, it’s growing, and although researchers are fighting every day to find a cure, Project Lifesaver can provide peace of mind in the meantime,” said Gene Saunders, CEO and Founder of Project Lifesaver International.

Lifesaving technology locates man who wandered away from Newark Senior Center

An 80 year old New Castle County man, who suffers from dementia, was located Thursday night several miles away from the Newark Senior Center, with the assistance of the Project Lifesaver Program. This is the first documented successful use of the technology in the area.

At 3:35 p.m., on Thursday, County Police responded to the Newark Senior Center for a report of a missing person who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. When the officers arrived, they contacted the victim’s son who reported his father was missing from the center.

Tracking Finds Lost Person in Minutes

MILLVILLE – Earlier this year, Officer Nick Moore, of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, was called out to seek a missing elderly person that had been gone for over 40 minutes.

Once he arrived on the scene, Moore found that person in under a minute.

They had been lying down in the woods, and the person searching for them had passed over them several times, but it was night and the person was not easily seen.

Monitoring bracelet helps Quincy police rescue autistic boy from the ocean

QUINCY — Quincy Police Lt. Dan Minton waded into the water at Wollaston Beach and approached the boy cautiously so as to not startle him.

Minton said he chatted nonchalantly with the 8-year-old about swimming, and the boy took his hand.

As they walked back to shore, the boy complained of pain in his foot as he crossed some rough sea floor. Minton lifted him on his shoulder and brought him to his mother, who was racing across the sand toward them.

Project Lifesaver aims at protecting residents

Local law enforcement agencies team up to help assist citizens with Autism, Down Syndrome, and Alzheimer’s.

Project Lifesaver is an international program that helps find people with Autism, Down Syndrome, and Alzheimer’s who run away from home.

Valley Police Officer David Smith said they have 16 clients in the tri-county area that have the program. Smith said to become a client, the person must have a doctors note saying the person is in need of assistance.

Two Faces of Alzheimer’s

Aug. 29–BOONEVILLE — Some 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s — a brain-damaging disease that gradually robs its victims of mental and physical acuity.

Unless dramatic medical breakthroughs provide cures or preventives, 7.7 million are expected to have the disease by 2030, when all baby boomers will be at least 66 years old.

Alzheimer’s — the most common of several related dementias — costs the nation an estimated $172 billion each year, and it is the seventh-leading cause of death for Americans — the fourth for those over age 65.

Project Lifesaver CEO, Gene Saunders, Nominated for Presidential Citizen’s Medal

April 14, 2010 – Chesapeake, VA – Earlier this year, President Barack Obama launched a public nomination process for the Presidential Citizen’s Medal, the nation’s second highest civilian award. According to the official release, for over 40 years, the Presidential Citizen’s Medal has recognized Americans who have “performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.” Past recipients have included some of America’s most respected public figures, including Elizabeth Taylor, Muhammad Ali and others.

Following this public announcement, the Lynchburg Sheriff’s Office in Lynchburg, Virginia, decided to nominate Chief Gene Saunders of Project Lifesaver International, who they felt was more than deserving of the award.

Bryan County Joins Project Lifesaver

It’s a program designed to bring people who are at risk of wandering, including those with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down Syndrome and Dementia home safely.

Tuesday evening the Bryan County Sheriff’s Department with Family Connection and the Alzheimer’s Association hosted a safety and wandering training.

New program helps Fishers authorities find missing girl

Authorities quickly found a missing autistic girl from Fishers Sunday night, thanks in large part to a program started just weeks earlier in Hamilton County.
Project Lifesaver is a free program sponsored by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department that helps track individuals suffering from dementia, autism, Alzheimer’s disease or Down’s syndrome and are at risk for wandering. Each individual in the program wears a wristband containing a locator beacon, which authorities can track if the person goes missing.

First Ohio Project Lifesaver Conference – A SUCCESS!

Tommy Carter, Chief of Operations of Project Lifesaver, attended the first OHIO PROJECT LIFESAVER CONFERENCE last Thursday, March 18, at the Union County Services Building in Marysville, Ohio.

All current Project Lifesaver (PLS) Ohio members and associate members were invited to attend, as well as supporting groups including the Alzheimer’s Association, Central Ohio Area on Aging, Union County Senior Services, and the Autism Society of Ohio, and the Ohio Attorney General’s office were in attendance.

Project Lifesaver gives ‘peace of mind’

Michael Rusch enjoyed recess so much that he sometimes tried to extend it by hiding in the woods behind his school.

After Michael, now 11, got lost, his family decided to join a program the Wood County Sheriff’s Department started in 2006 to help residents keep track of their potentially vulnerable loved ones.

Michael, who has autism, became one of the first participants in Wood County’s Project Lifesaver. It provides signal-emitting bracelets that children and adults at risk of wandering can wear, so loved ones or caregivers can find them should they become lost.

Sign the Online Petition – Make Your Voice Heard!

Sign the online petition now! Help us spread the word!!! http://www.thepetitionsite.com/485/petition-to-get-project-lifesaver-in-all-communities

Hamilton County agencies join Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver, a program designed to help authorities find people who wander because of illness or disability, is accepting participants in Hamilton County.
People who could wander because of medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s or autism can enroll in the program. Participants receive a tracking bracelet so authorities can locate them quickly if they run away.

Washington County authorities test Project Lifesaver

ABINGDON, Va. – Detective Billy Nichols waved the multi-pronged antenna gun toward the baseball field to his right and then to the Wednesday afternoon traffic on the left.

He cocked his head to the side as he listened to the static on the headphones. Moments later, the Washington County Sheriff’s officer stepped toward the baseball field, with Sgt. Dreema Pullon close behind, police radio in hand.

Nichols’ antenna gun had picked up the radio-wave ping transmission from the ankle bracelet worn by 18-year-old Down syndrome patient Billy Stiltner, of Abingdon. The search for Stiltner was a training drill for Project Lifesaver, a tracking technology the sheriff’s office offers for free to elderly and mentally challenged residents likely to wander away from home or school.

Wandering Alzheimer’s patient found

DEERFIELD TWP. – A Rosenhayn man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease was quickly found after he wandered away from his home Tuesday night thanks to a Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department program.

That program is Project Lifesaver.

Sheriff’s officers were dispatched to the 78-year-old man’s home at about 11 p.m. on a report he had walked away.

With the help of a Project Lifesaver electronic bracelet, sheriff’s officers quickly located the elderly man in a nearby wooded area.

Project Lifesaver provides protection

POMEROY — A program geared to protect seniors who have a tendency to wander from home is in operation in Meigs County, a cooperative project between the Area Agency on Aging 8 and local law enforcement agencies.

Cathy Ash, AAA8 program manager and project lifesaver trainer, describes Project Lifesaver as a proven radio technology used to tract those who have wondered away and activate a specially trained search and rescue team.

Clients enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal. When caregivers notify the local Project Lifesaver Law Enforcement agency that the person is missing, a search and rescue team responds to the wanderer’s area and searches with the mobile locator system. According to Ash in over 1,500 searches, there have been no reported serious injuries or deaths and recovery times average less than 30 minutes.

Chief Saunders To Speak on Wandering Behaviors & Technology Strategies at Aging in America Conference in Chicago Next Week

March 8, 2010 – Chesapeake, Virginia – The 2010 Aging in America Conference is the largest gathering of a diverse, multidisciplinary community of professionals from the fields of aging, healthcare and education.   The conference provides attendees with the opportunity to network with new and old friends, gain insight from voices from the front line, and [...]

Sign the Petition to Get Project Lifesaver in all Communities!

This facebook group was started by Project Lifesaver supporter Emily Malabey, President of the International Autism Coalition. This petition is to connect caregivers, families, medical professionals, law enforcement, political activists and communities to help get Project Lifesaver started in all communities. Please click on the Facebook link and “sign the petition” today!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=344871056147&ref=mf

County Hopes Program A Lifesaver

County Hopes Program A Lifesaver
By Hicham Raache
Times Record • hraache@swtimes.com
Monday, March 8, 2010 9:35 AM CST

Sebastian County authorities have been working to implement a system that will enable authorities to locate quickly people with mental disorders who wander off.

The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office is obtaining tracking equipment, services and training from Project Lifesaver International, a program that helps law enforcement agencies swiftly locate missing adults and children with disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or autism.
“I started looking at it about a year ago, especially during the time Mr. (Billy) Wheeler came up missing and we had so much difficulty trying to locate him,” Chief Deputy Tommy Young of the Sheriff’s Office said.

Help Northumberland County Start Project Lifesaver

A potentially life-saving project in Northumberland County needs help to get it up and running.

Project Lifesaver uses a tracking device to help find people with special needs who wander away from home. While it’s available in some parts of our area, Project Lifesaver is not offered in Northumberland County and one area mother wants to change that.

Kelsey Person lives near Turbotville with her two-year-old son, Aiden. Recently he was diagnosed with autism and Person said he has special needs.

“Autistics wander and they don’t communicate so you can call and call and he will not respond,” Person explained.

She said Project Lifesaver is designed to help find children and adults with special needs who wander away from home. Bracelets worn by the person with special needs put out a radio signal. If the person wearing it is missing, searchers can find the signal.

The Importance of Project Lifesaver, Especially During the Winter Months

Feb 24, 2010 – Chesapeake, VA – In January and February alone, Project Lifesaver International, a non-profit organization specializing in training public safety agencies on search and rescue programs, equipment, and procedures to help individuals with cognitive conditions that wander, has conducted approximately 30 search and rescue missions for missing individuals participating in their program throughout the United States. This year’s winter season has also proven to be one of extreme winter conditions, as snow has blanketed many states throughout the month of February.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 60% of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease will wander at some point during the progression of the disease, and many will wander repeatedly. Additionally, according to a survey conducted by the National Autism Association, nearly 92% of parents felt that their autistic child was at risk of wandering. To help combat this problem of wandering, Project Lifesaver International helps train public safety agencies throughout the world to conduct search and rescue efforts by using state-of-the-art technology to find those who wander due to cognitive conditions.

Palm Springs Police Offers Free “Project Lifesaver” Device

The Palm Springs Police Department has received a grant to help provide Project Lifesaver wristbands free of charge to limited income families.

Project Lifesaver, which began 11 years ago, is a non-profit organization established to help locate people who are prone to wander due to Alzheimer’s disease, autism and other cognitive disorders.

Project Lifesaver benefits two clients, more are needed

Pratt, Kan. —
Two clients in Pratt are currently using monitoring equipment that enables law enforcement personnel to find them quickly when they wander from home.
“They are doing very well with it,” said Jeanette Gaider, speaking for the Pilot Club of Pratt which initiated the program in cooperation with the sheriff’s office.
An endowment from former member Viola Kinzer provides the equipment to anyone in Pratt County at no cost.

Ulster police’s tracking device helps recover those who wander

KINGSTON — Deputy Andrea Fister spun in a circle until the radio equipment in her hand began to beep like a metal detector.

“That’s how we know we’re facing the right direction,” she said. “So now we’ll walk this way.”

She walked slowly until the beeps grew louder. Fister readjusted the tracking equipment and changed course slightly to the left, where she found a small transmitter hidden in a bush outside the Ulster County Jail.

“That’s how it’s done!” she said, holding the transmitter up for everyone to see.

Wednesday’s high-tech version of hide-and-seek was only a demonstration, but Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum believes the technology could save people who are prone to wandering. Van Blarcum and others from his department announced Wednesday their enrollment in Project Lifesaver, a national program that helps police voluntarily track wanderers by outfitting them with a small transmitter.

Project Lifesaver Comes to DeKalb County

A new way to locate people with special needs who may become lost is now in DeKalb County and will soon be put into action.

State Sen. Lowell Barron met Monday with DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris, local mental health advocate Jerry Delk and several officers from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department to kick off special training for Project Lifesaver in DeKalb County.

Project Lifesaver will help find lost adults or children in DeKalb County, who may suffer from Alzheimer’s, Down syndrome or other related disorders. The program will be facilitated by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, which will provide those enrolled in the program with a transmitter worn around the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal.

Project aims to keep dementia, autism patients safe

As daylight spread across upper Cleveland County on the morning of June 13, 2009, county Emergency Management Director Dewey Cook was already hard at work.
Equipped with a radio device, he listened for beeps – clues that would help him find a missing woman who had walked off from home.
In Cleveland County, she is one of about 20 Project Lifesaver participants who range from elderly patients with dementia to a child with autism.
Within six minutes, Cook had tracked the 79-year-old woman, an Alzheimer’s patient, and found her behind a mobile home about a mile from her house.
Nationwide, the project has conducted more than 2,000 successful searches, with a couple of those coming from Cleveland County.

Missing Person Found In Minutes

On Feb. 3 at 11:32 a.m., the New Martinsville Police Department Dispatch Center received a complaint of a missing person. The person was a client of Wetzel County Project Lifesaver that is coordinated by Sgt. Dave Byers of the NMPD.

The complainant advised that her 84-year-old husband had gone to the pharmacy and bank at 9:30 a.m. and had not returned. Since the missing person was driving a vehicle, the department immediately took information to enter the missing person into NCIC. After obtaining the information that was needed to start the search Sgt. Byers left NMPD with a receiver. “We had notified Ptl. F. Estep of NMPD and Tyler County Project Lifesaver,” said Byers. “Tom Cooper of Tyler County was responding with John Bennett, Helen Bennett, and Lisa Jackson.”

Project could be a lifesaver

There’s nothing scarier than when a child goes missing, and the dread is compounded when that child has special needs.

A potential grant that has been applied for by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office could go a long way toward easing parents’ fears.

Sheriff Greg Seeley updated the Greene County Legislature about a grant he is hoping for that would pay for the county to participate in a program dubbed Project Lifesaver, which provides electronic bracelets that can track a child, or adult, who has gone missing.

Does Someone You Love Need Project Lifesaver?

It was an inquiry from the Director of the Salem County Office of the Disabled that first alerted me to an important program in Cape May County. She called to ask if Project Lifesaver was active in our area. As I have since learned, this program is operating in all 21 counties of New Jersey, making our state (to its great credit) totally subscribed to the Project. The program operates through the Sheriff’s Office in each community.

Project Lifesaver is a non-profit international organization, based in Chesapeake, Virginia, whose mission is to protect patients who wander due to conditions such as Alzheimer’s and autism.

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