Missing Bernards Township Man Located Through Project Lifesaver Wristband

An elderly Bernards Township man was located using Project Lifesaver after he wandered off for over an hour from his residence, according to Sheriff Frank Provenzano.

At approximately 11:50 a.m. on Nov. 12, the Sheriff’s Office was alerted by Somerset County Communications of an ongoing investigation into the man’s whereabouts that was being conducted by the Bernards Township Police Department. Sheriff’s Officer Nick Fazio quickly rounded up his team members Lt. Nick Klementowicz and Sgt. Mark Szczecina and acquired the Sheriff’s Office’s PLS tracking equipment.

A search was conducted starting from the client’s residence. Officer Fazio picked up the PLS wristband signal and located the man over a quarter-mile away from his home.

The elderly man was secreted in heavy brush in the wooded area off Lord Stirling School, the sheriff said. Officer Fazio checked on the client’s well-being and he appeared to be in good health and was returned to his home.

Project Lifesaver aids clients and their families who wander as a result of Alzheimer’s disease, autism, down syndrome or dementia. The PLS bracelet emits a signal that can be tracked by equipment utilized by Sheriff’s Office personnel.

Project Lifesaver is provided to Somerset County residents as a result of a partnership established between the Sheriff’s Office and the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services. The Sheriff’s Office has participated in the program since 2003.

For information on how to enroll, contact the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services at 908-704-6346 and ask for the Project Lifesaver coordinator.