LCSO Receives Grant for Project Lifesaver

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has awarded grant funding to the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office to expand their Project Lifesaver program, which provides safety technology to Laurens County families caring for loved ones prone to wandering due to Alzheimer’s and other cognitive-related conditions.

Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous behavior among individuals with a dementia-related illness. Someone with dementia who wanders can quickly become disoriented, unable to return to safety or not know how, or who, to call for help.

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office’s Project Lifesaver program, in partnership with Project Lifesaver International, allows caregivers to voluntarily register their loved one with dementia to wear a small wrist or ankle transmitter that emits an individualized radio frequency signal. When the transmitter is activated, the frequency allows a trained response team to locate the person and

help them return home safely. The technology helps reduce search and rescue times from hours or days down to a matter of minutes.

“The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office’s Project Lifesaver program is a valuable public safety tool for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “Every family caregiver’s number one priority is keeping their loved one safe. We’re pleased to provide their office with additional resources to help protect individuals living with dementia.”

Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds, said, "This grant allows us to expand a program that truly saves lives. When a loved one goes missing, time matters. Project Lifesaver gives our deputies the tools to respond quickly, reduce search times, and bring people home safely."

The $6,000 AFA grant will help the Sheriff’s Office expand the program and serve additional families by funding the purchase of additional bands, receivers, batteries, and other materials.

Families can voluntarily enroll in the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office’s Project Lifesaver program by contacting Deputy Snow at 864-681-4509.