Tracking
the Lost
Agencies
Train for Project Lifesaver
As
the result of a program suggested by Centerville City Councilman James E.
Singer, many citizens of Washington Township and the City of Centerville will
soon be more secure and safe in their homes. Members of the Washington Township
Fire Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Centerville
Police Department will soon be trained how to manage, maintain and conduct
the Project Lifesaver program.
Project Lifesaver has become internationally recognized as an aggressive and proven program that saves lives. Over five million people in the United States have Alzheimer's or a related disorder, such as dementia, autism or Down's Syndrome. More than fifty percent of these people wander and become lost. Nearly half of them will die and many can be injured if not located within 24 hours. They may be compeletely unaware of their situation. Many will never call for help or respond to people calling out to help them. Project Lifesaver is an active response to the problem of wandering patients before they fall victim to elements, accidents, or predators.
Several area public safety professionals were recently trained in the use of the electronic tracking equipment used for Project Lifesaver. They also learned methods for communicating with a person who has Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder. A team of instructors was trained so that more people can learn the program in the near future.
The Washington Township Firefighter's Association contributed funds to help bring Project Lifesaver to Washington Township and the City of Centerville. If you are interested in how the program works, or have a family member that might need this protection, please contact the Washington Township Fire Department, 433-3083 or the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Substation, 433-0152.