PORT ANGELES — The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office is expanding a program to help find those who have cognitive problems that cause them to wander off frequently.
Project Lifesaver, which has already debuted in Sequim, will now be available throughout Clallam County, the Sheriff’s Office said.
“I am delighted that we can participate in this valuable program with our partners at the Sequim Police Department and look forward to expanding our partnership with all law enforcement agencies on the Olympic Peninsula,” said Sheriff Bill Benedict.
“It is important that we continue outreach efforts to our elderly and vulnerable citizens.”
Citizens enrolled in the program receive radio trackers that are worn on the wrist, much like a watch.
It is geared toward those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, autism, Down syndrome and dementia.
When someone goes missing, caregivers notify the locally trained law enforcement agency, and personnel are then dispatched to the area.
The average rescue time is approximately a half hour, versus several hours or days without a tracking device, said the Sheriff’s Office.
Project Lifesaver International will train the Sheriff’s Office on how to use the equipment and how to best communicate with those who are wandering.
The typical cost for an individual to enroll in the program is a $99 enrollment fee and $25 per month, according to the Project Lifesaver Web site.
However, the Ray and Donna Guerin Foundation has provided donations so that it will be a free service to local families.
To enroll, phone Lorraine Shore, community policing services coordinator, at 360-417-2376.
The Guerin Family Foundation has also donated to the city of Sequim project, which is run by the Sequim Police Department.
For more information on Project Lifesaver, visit www.projectlifesaver.org.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladaily news.com.
