Two Fundraisers Set to Help Support the Program

The Newport News Sheriff’s Office is helping to give caregivers peace of mind with Project Lifesaver. Fully funded by donations, Project Lifesaver works to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children who have a tendency to wander due to Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down Syndrome, brain injury or other cognitive disorders. Through special wrist or ankle bracelets equipped with a personalized transmitter number, caregivers have can contact the Sheriff’s Office to quickly initiate a search for a missing loved one.

Sheriff Gabe Morgan is a firm believer in the mission of Project Lifesaver, so much so that he provides the service free to Newport News citizens. Participants must be a resident of City of Newport News, live at home with a 24-hour caregiver and meet other conditions. Project Lifesaver requires specialty equipment to be purchased for the Sheriff’s Office search team as well monitoring bracelets, batteries, and transmitters for the clients. Additionally, associated staff to be trained in search and rescue, use of the electronic tracking equipment and crisis intervention. There are currently 66 Newport News residents who are covered by the Project Lifesaver program. Since 2010, 23 clients have wandered off and Sheriff’s deputies have reunited all of them with their loved ones.

Two fundraising events for Project Lifesaver are coming up including the 5th Annual Car and Bike Show on Sunday, September 11th and the 3rd Annual Escorted Charity Motorcycle Ride on Sunday, October 16th. For more information on Project Lifesaver including registration forms, how to make donations and the fundraising events, visit the Sheriff’s Office website.