Nearly three dozen Newport News Sheriff’s Office deputies are being certified and recertified to serve on the Project Lifesaver response team.
Project Lifesaver uses a radio transmitter bracelet or anklet so deputies can quickly find adult and child clients who wander from safety due to Alzheimer’s, autism, and related cognitive conditions.
The bracelets have individualized radio frequencies that emit a signal that is picked up by a receiver carried by deputies. They listen for the beeps — louder or softer — to tell them when they’re getting close to the person.
Project Lifesaver requires each person complete training to be certified as an Electronic Search Specialist. Annual recertification is necessary.
Sheriff Gabe Morgan doesn’t charge families who meet the qualifications to be on the program. He knows families have enough to worry about without having to figure out how to pay for peace of mind.
The NNSO’s program, which has been in operation since 2002, is funded by donations from businesses, organizations, grants, and NNSO fundraisers-a Car and Bike show and Escorted Motorcycle Ride. It has a 100% success rate in finding and returning vulnerable clients to their loved ones.
