The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Project Lifesaver to continue this free program to the citizens of the City of Roanoke. Project Lifesaver is designed to track and rescue those with cognitive conditions who tend to wander. This service answers a critical need for protecting people at risk, including those with Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome and dementia.
Nineteen (19) Roanoke City Sheriff’s Deputies/Staff will be certified by Project Lifesaver International, the leading organization in electronic search and rescue programs, as Electronic Search Specialists. These deputies are trained how to use the equipment, how to gain the trust of and communicate with people who wander, as well as to ensure that caregivers are well versed in the program; all of which are essential to a successful rescue.
Citizens enrolled in the service wear a small radio transmitter on the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized frequency signal, which can be tracked regardless of where the person has wandered – even in a wooded area, marsh, concreted building or a building constructed with steel. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver will notify the 911 call center who will then notify the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver coordinator and the trained deputies will respond to the wander’s area. The first responder will then use the client’s individualized frequency to locate the position of the individual. Recovery times for Project Lifesaver agencies average 30 minutes, which is 95% less time than standard operations without the program. To date, Project Lifesaver’s program has rescued 3,802 individuals.
This nationwide program encompasses all forms of public safety, including Sheriff’s Offices, Police, Fire and EMS. The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is pleased to continue this important resource in the community and assist caregivers and clients in being proactive when it comes to their loved one’s safety.
For additional information about Project Lifesaver, please contact Tameka Paige (540) 853-1761 or visit their website at the Project Lifesaver website.