Randolph Sheriff Trying to Secure Equipment for Project Lifesaver

By CARRA HIGGINS, Staff Writer
Project Lifesaver could be coming to Randolph County this year if the sheriff’s department is awarded the necessary equipment. “This will be a tremendous asset,” County Commissioner Mike Taylor said. “I’m thrilled the sheriff wants to do it.” The equipment, valued at $6,000 and funded by philanthropists John and Elizabeth Raese, is currently used in 14 West Virginia counties. A tracking device allows law enforcement to find individuals with Alzheimer’s or mental disorders who get lost. Member of the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department demonstrated to the commissioners how the equipment works and its benefits to people in the area. A band holding the transmitter can be placed on a person’s ankle or wrist and is similar in size and weight to a watch, explained Upshur Sheriff Virgil Miller. The program is voluntary and it is up to family members to decide whether they want to participate, Miller said. If the person goes missing and has a transmitter attached, he or she can be found in 30 to 40 minutes, as opposed to hours or days, members of the Upshur Sheriff’s Department explained. Each transmitter has its own frequency and the search equipment picks up a chirping sound when in range of the search team. In order to find the missing person, searchers will only need to know where the person was last seen, Upshur County Deputies explained. To help with the search, the sheriff’s department will have a file with the person’s picture, medical history and other important information. The wristband, transmitter and batteries cost $300 per year. Either the family pays that cost or private donors help absorb the cost, Miller said. Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies will be trained to use the equipment. Firefighters and other emergency workers can be trained to use the equipment also, Miller said.