Project Lifesaver International is a program that helps provide rapid response to save lives and reduce the potential for serious injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, Down syndrome, and other related cognitive conditions. The program originated as a 501(C) (3) nonprofit organization in Virginia in 1998, and is credited with 2,313 saves nationally. Project Lifesaver was first introduced to Livingston in 2006, and was spearheaded by Lieutenant Edward Kelly, and Corporal William Brennan.
“These officers initially funded the program through donations from various service organizations, corporations, and private citizens,” reported Captain Gary Marshuetz, Livingston Police - Uniform Division Commander. “And interest in the Lifesaver’s project was stimulated by personal and professional experiences with cognitively challenged people.”
The program helps locate persons at-risk of wandering by using a radio transmitter device attached to the wrist or ankle by way of a plastic or nylon wristband. The battery operated radio transmitter emits an inaudible pulse that can be picked up by a receiver operated by trained and certified public safety officers. Project Lifesaver is a shared service with the Borough of Roseland, and currently Livingston has five endangered persons wearing the equipment, and Roseland has one. There are four certified supervisors (Capt. Marshuetz, Lt. E. Kelly, Lt. J. Kelly, and Sgt. Smith), and eight officers trained to operate the equipment.
“Time is of the essence when a vulnerable person goes missing,” continued Captain Marshuetz. “Through the dedication of our police officers and the use of these bracelets, we will be able to locate the missing person quickly, returning them to the safety of their home.” For more information on Project Lifesaver, and other police initiatives, log onto the Township website at www.livingstonnj.org. Click Police in the left hand column.
