Shrewsbury Debuts New Lifesaving Technology

SHREWSBURY, MA — If you noticed police officers in Shrewsbury with unfamiliar-looking equipment, it could be used to save a life.

The Shrewsbury Police Department has officially introduced a new tool to help protect some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. Several officers have now completed training and certification through Project Lifesaver International, a program designed to quickly locate individuals who are prone to wandering due to cognitive conditions such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

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The initiative was made possible by a recent grant, which allowed the department to bring this specialized technology to Shrewsbury. The program works by equipping enrolled individuals with a small, personalized radio-frequency tracking device.

If that person goes missing, trained officers can use the equipment to quickly and efficiently locate them, often reducing search times from hours or days to just minutes.

Officials say the program will significantly improve response times in missing person cases, increase the chances of a safe recovery, and provide peace of mind for loved ones.

Eight members of the Shrewsbury Police Department have completed certification and are now qualified operators of the system, including Lt. Vitols, Sgt. Bradley, Sgt. Abbasica, Det. Lynnet Sloan, Officer Anding, Officer Andrews, Officer Walker and Officer Ljunggren.

More information about eligibility and how residents can enroll in the program is expected to be released soon, police said.

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