For the families of children and adults with autism, Alzheimer’s or related conditions and disorders, the possibility of their loved one becoming lost is a frightening reality. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office offers a way to ease that anxiety: Project Lifesaver.
If children or adults with certain conditions were to wander from family or caregivers and become lost, an extensive search and rescue operation would follow. With Project Lifesaver, searches that could last for hours or days could potentially be concluded successfully within an hour.
Participants in Project Lifesaver wear a wristband that emits a tracking signal and when caregivers notify the CCSO that the participant is missing, a team of specially-trained officers quickly responds and begins searching the area using special tracking equipment. The equipment significantly reduces the need to mobilize scores of searchers and cuts the most valuable cost: time.
To register for Project Life Saver, please call the Charles County Department of Community Services, Aging and Human Services at 301-934-0128. The Department of Aging will complete an initial interview with the participant and will then forward the information to the CCSO. We will contact the participant to schedule a time to activate the wristband. Each month thereafter, an officer will check the batteries in the participant’s wristband.
The Greater Waldorf Jaycees funded the establishment of Project Lifesaver with a $12,000 donation that covered training, certification of officers, and equipment.
Anyone with questions about this program may contact the Community Services Section at 301-932-3080, email us, or visit www.projectlifesaver.org.