Project Lifesaver

In keeping with his desire to provide service to every citizen, no matter the need, Sheriff Leon Lott researched and obtained information on a great program that could safeguard our "at risk wanderers" within our communities.

In 2007, Project Lifesaver was introduced to Richland County citizens. Currently there are nine clients registered with the program and personnel from Project H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Precious Elderly) go out each month and change the batteries and wrist bracelets for our clients.

Project Lifesaver is the only organization that is allowed to electronically track human beings. It was designed to protect our "at risk wanderers" who suffer from Alzheimer's, children of Autism and those with Down Syndrome and other brain disorders which may lead them to wander. Today, Project Lifesaver has conducted over 1,600 searches with a 100% recovery rate.

Presently in South Carolina, Project Lifesaver agencies are: Richland County Sheriff's Department (the state coordinator agency), Aiken/North Augusta, Horry County/Myrtle Beach and Charleston County Sheriff's Office.

The concept is very easy. A caregiver would call Project Hope, who does our client management, and lets them know they are interested in enrolling their loved one in the program. Project Hope would send out one of their techs and make a home visit. There, the caregiver would receive the paperwork on the program and would be advised of the conditions of the program. If the caregiver/loved one are accepted to the program, they will receive a transmitter for their loved one. If a client wanders off from their caregiver, the caregiver will call a predetermined number from the program and activate Project Lifesaver. Responding officers will use their training, equipment and knowledge of the program to bring that loved one home.

Richland County Sheriff's Department does not charge Richland County residents or their loved ones who are "at risk wanderers" to be on the program. All required paperwork, contracts, doctor exams and follow ups have to be completed before a client is admitted into the program.

Anyone with questions or who may think this program would benefit your family (or if you would like to sponsor a client) to contact either Retired Captain John Edward at 803-576-3183, Corporal Amanda Lee at 803-513-3438, or Senior Deputy Patty Weed at 803-576-3191 for information.

For more information, please click the title above.