The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has officially launched Project Lifesaver, an internationally recognized search and rescue initiative aimed at protecting individuals prone to wandering due to conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and autism.

Participants in the program wear a personalized radio-frequency transmitter bracelet. If a participant goes missing, caregivers can alert 911, and specially trained deputies equipped with specialized receivers can track the unique frequency to find them quickly. Nationally, the program boasts an average recovery time of just 30 minutes.

The sheriff’s office has funded the technology and trained personnel to bring the service locally. Residents interested in enrolling a loved one can contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 423-442-3911 to speak with a program coordinator.