May 5, 2015
PRESS RELEASE
BRIGANTINE POLICE SUPPORTING PROJECT LIFESAVER
Submitted by: Chief Timothy Reed
Chief Reed met with members of the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office on May 1st 2015 in support of Projectn Lifesaver. What is Operation Lifesaver? It is the reliable rescue program for people with Alzheimer ’s Disease, Down’s Syndrome and Autism. Project Lifesaver is about people and partnerships. Citizens enrolled in project lifesaver wear a small electronic transmitter on the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. Most who wander are found within a few miles of their home, and search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. The person who is located will often be disoriented, anxious, and untrusting. The Project Lifesaver team knows how to approach the person, gain their trust and put them at ease for the trip home.
"The Project Lifesaver program is an important tool that is utilized by the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office Community Policing and K9 Units to reduce the number of lives lost due to afflictions such as Dementia and Autism", stated Sheriff Frank X Balles. "In an area surrounded by water, we may only have a short time to recover someone that has wondered away from their caregivers. We have been able to provide this program free of charge to clients thanks to partnerships with the MAPS Foundation of SJ, Atlantic County Inter-generational Services, and private business donations."
“I’ve been aware of this program for some time and believe that it could benefit our community. I thought it should be re-introduced for awareness and safety. Forming partnerships with other Law Enforcement Agencies to bring technology and safety to our community is a huge benefit for public safety. I believe that educating our community to available resources will benefit everyone,” stated Chief Tim Reed.
Anyone with a need for this service is encouraged to contact Sgt. Lisa Zaccagnino of the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office at 609-909-7241. Information brochures can also be picked up from the Brigantine Police Department Lobby.
Sincerely,
Timothy J. Reed
Chief of Police
