OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – The Oshkosh Police Department is touting the success of a program it implemented earlier this year.
‘Project Lifesaver’ was introduced in April.
Sergeant Todd Wrage notes it’s “a radio locating system for people who have a diagnosis that involves a risk of wandering, different forms of dementia, autism, down syndrome.”
Lorel Werner says it’s helped her husband Tom, who suffers from dementia.
He’s gone missing both before and after joining the program.
“The first time my husband wandered, he was gone for 4 1/2 hours. We had no idea where he was. That was horrifying. The second time he wandered, he was only gone 16 minutes before they found him.”
Wrage notes each client wears a transmitter bracelet.
“We deploy our electronic search specialist with our search equipment. We dial in their particular frequency on our receiver. That way, we only hear this transmitter.”
Wrage notes the signup cost is roughly $300.
“There are some funding opportunities that we can cover the cost through either donations or grant funding.”
Anyone who is interested in learning more about the program or signing up can contact Oshkosh Police at 920-236-5757.
