April 28, 2007

Press Release,
A Project Lifesaver

Wakulla County Sheriff David F. Harvey
Senior Citizen Director R.H. Carter

The Wakulla County Sheriff's Office has received a $5,000 check from the Alzeheimer=s Foundation of America in support of A Project Lifesaver. This money will cover the cost of 10 Project Livesaver radio transmitter bracelets and maintenance for those bracelets for a one year.

Project Lifesaver relies on proven radio technology and a specially trained search and rescue team of Deputy Sheriffs. Persons enrolled in the program wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal. This program is a rapid response, proactive partnership with local law enforcement aiding those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, dementia and other brain related disorders such as Down's Syndrome and autism. The program is sponsored by the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office with referrals coming from the Wakulla Senior Citizens Center.

Sheriff Harvey said, "It's one another initiative that allows us to better provide a level of protection and safety for seniors in Wakulla County."

Project Lifesaver Search and Rescue teams were called into service as recently as February of this year. Receiving a call in the morning hours of February 4, 2007 from the son of the bracelet recipient informing the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office that his 89 year old father had wandered from home. Specialized Electronic Search and Rescue Teams arrived on scene and located the man in approximately 28 minutes. Project Lifesaver of Wakulla=s projected funding needs in 2007 total $11,000. All funding for this project is received through donations and grants.