TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – During Autism Awareness Month, the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office is spotlighting a program designed to help deputies quickly locate missing residents with special needs.
“Project Lifesaver” uses a tracking device worn on the wrist or ankle, each assigned a unique frequency. If a participant goes missing, deputies can track the signal and narrow the search area.
The program launched in 2014 after 9-year-old Leo Walker, who had autism, went missing and was later found dead.
Chief Deputy Buddy Williams said the technology is making a difference.
“It’s my firm belief that, as a parent of a child with a disability, the more hedge of protection we can put around these kids and adults, the better off we all are,” Williams said. “Nothing impacts a community like a bad mishap with someone that can’t take care of themselves.”
In a recent case, a 6-year-old boy with autism who wandered away from home was safely located and returned home.
Williams said the technology allows for a faster response when every second counts.
“There’s some overstimulation that can take place. There are dangers out there, traffic, animals, bodies of water, so the quicker you can have an active response for recovery, the better off you’re going to be,” he said.
Williams added that the system is especially effective in rural areas where GPS can fail.
Currently, 27 people in Suwannee County, ranging in age from 3 to 37, with an average age of 7, are enrolled in the program, which is available to residents with disabilities or cognitive disorders.
Residents can contact SCSO to enroll.
