Unlocking the Benefits of the Life Saver Program for your loved ones.

You may think the Garland County Sheriff's Office is solely focused on law enforcement, but it also plays a vital role in keeping our citizens safe and preventing them from becoming victims.

Many in Garland County may not be aware of the "Lifesaver Program" and the invaluable benefits it offers our community. Nearly every family has a connection to someone facing a cognitive challenge. This awareness empowers us all—listen closely; it could change your life or for someone you love.

Project Lifesaver is a nationally recognized, non-profit search and rescue program designed to protect and quickly locate individuals at risk of wandering due to cognitive impairments or developmental disabilities. It emphasizes timely response to prevent injury or harm, using proven radio frequency technology combined with trained first responders. Below, I’ll break down the program’s overview, operations, eligibility, costs, national impact, and specifics for the Garland County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) in Arkansas, where it’s one of several standout community initiatives.

Program Overview

• Founding and Purpose: Established in October 1998 by Chief Gene Saunders in partnership with the Chesapeake, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Project Lifesaver International (PLI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Its mission—“Bringing Loved Ones Home”—focuses on individuals with conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, Down syndrome, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, or other cognitive disorders that increase wandering risks. The program has become the “Gold Standard” for special needs search and rescue (SAR), inspiring similar technologies but unmatched in reliability due to its non-commercial focus.

• Key Components:

• Locating Technology: A small, battery-operated radio transmitter (about the size and weight of a wristwatch, ~1 oz) worn on the wrist or ankle. It emits a unique, inaudible radio signal (FCC-licensed 216 MHz frequency) once per second, detectable up to several miles away by specialized receivers.

• Trained Responders: Public safety agencies (e.g., sheriffs) use mobile locator equipment and innovative SAR methods tailored to cognitive conditions, ensuring safe, low-stress recoveries.

• Education and Prevention: Offers community policing courses for first responders on handling elopements and cognitive awareness.

How It Works

1. Enrollment: Caregivers apply through a local agency (e.g., sheriff’s office). Once approved, the participant receives a personalized transmitter fitted with a comfortable band.

2. Daily Use: The device is worn 24/7, with batteries lasting 45–60 days (replaced via mail or agency visit).

3. In Case of Wandering: If the individual goes missing, the caregiver calls 911. Trained deputies respond immediately with locator gear, triangulating the signal to find the person—often within minutes, far faster than traditional searches.

4. Follow-Up: Agencies monitor device maintenance and may conduct periodic check-ins for safety.

This active-response model (not a passive registry) reduces search times dramatically, minimizing risks like exposure to weather, traffic, or predators.

Eligibility and Costs

• Who Qualifies: Adults or children with a diagnosed cognitive condition and a history (or high risk) of wandering/elopement, as documented by a medical professional, IEP, or life plan. Examples include Alzheimer’s patients, autistic children, or those with Down syndrome.

• Costs: Varies by agency but is often low- or no-cost to participants:

• Startup kit (transmitter, bands, initial batteries): ~$350 nationally, but many programs subsidize via donations/grants.

• Ongoing: ~$5 per battery/band replacement every 45–60 days.

•Through the Garland County Sheriff's Department: Free for eligible residents, funded by community donations—no out-of-pocket costs mentioned.

Financial aid is available through PLI or local partners for those who qualify.

National Impact

• Reach: Operated in all 50 U.S. states, plus Canada, Australia, and beyond, by over 1,500 public safety agencies.

• Success Stats: As of 2025, PLI reports 4,527 successful rescues nationwide, with an average recovery time of ~30 minutes (vs. hours/days for standard searches). It has saved countless lives, providing peace of mind to thousands of families.

• Recognition: Endorsed by organizations like the National Sheriff’s Association; studies show it reduces injury risks by up to 95% through rapid response.

Garland County Sheriff’s Office Implementation

GCSO’s Project Lifesaver, launched in April 2006 with citizen donations, is a flagship community program tailored to local needs in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It supports families dealing with Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome, and similar conditions, aligning with GCSO’s focus on vulnerability and prevention.

• Local Operations: Participants wear the standard PLI transmitter. If a client wanders, GCSO deputies use radio receivers for quick location and safe return. The program integrates with broader services like emergency alerts.

• Eligibility Specifics: Must reside in Garland County (including city limits). Requires a touch-tone phone for any automated check-ins (though primary use is tracking).

• Costs and Access: Fully funded by donations—free enrollment. Apply via GCSO; contact for home visits to fit devices and complete paperwork.

• Standout Role: One of few Arkansas programs offering this, it enhances GCSO’s reputation for empathetic, proactive policing. No specific local rescue stats are publicly detailed, but it contributes to the county’s low crime/victimization rates under Sheriff Mike McCormick.

For enrollment or questions in Garland County, contact GCSO at (501) 622-3660 or visit garlandcounty.org/215/Project-Lifesaver.

Nationally, check projectlifesaver.org for agencies near you. If you need application forms, stats for another area, or comparisons to similar programs (e.g., GPS alternatives), let me know!