'Project Lifesaver' program aids in search of the wander-prone

Livingston County Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty is reminding county residents of an affordable service offered by his office designed to assist caregivers in keeping people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, autism, dementia and other disorders safe.

The Sheriff's Office's Project Lifesaver makes use of a small radio transmission system designed to assist law enforcement and emergency services operations in locating lost or missing persons who have been diagnosed with conditions that keep them from being able to help themselves or communicate effectively with others.

If and when someone goes missing, specially trained members of the Sheriff's Office are dispatched to the scene and operate the equipment needed to locate the missing individual. Oftentimes, the missing person is within a few miles of their home.

The transmitter is small and can be worn on a band, which can be affixed to the wrist or ankle.

The Sheriff's Office provides the equipment and services needed and only suggests a $10 donation each time the device's battery needs changing.

Dougherty said the $10 is only a suggested donation and that his office wouldn't cut off services because of a family's inability to pay.

To sign up for Project Lifesaver or learn more about the program, call Community Policing Deputy Mike Didas at (585) 243-7100.