To the Editor:
This information is intended to serve as a public service notice to all Hudson County residents:
As your sheriff, it is my desire and the desire of the staff within our office to maintain the safety and well being of all of our residents, from the very young to the most senior persons. In accordance with this, we in the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office are instituting Project Lifesaver to assist families and caregivers of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or a related dementia disorder, as well as families of children suffering from Down Syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injuries or cognitive impairments.
It is well known by the families that these individuals might be prone to wander away from home and become confused or lost. Project Lifesaver allows for a proactive response by law enforcement if this happens. This not only serves time and manpower, but also gives the caregivers or families peace of mind and reassurance that all possible resources will be utilized in the effort to locate and return the loved one to their home safely.
The participants in Project Lifesaver will wear a special wrist bracelet equipped with a small transmitter, which emits a signal that law enforcement can track when someone goes missing. Search times have been reduced from days and hours to minutes.
I am asking that any interested parties, families and caregivers contact the Hudson County Sheriff’s Community Relations Unit at (201) 217-5226, where additional information can be obtained and for participation in this most worthwhile program.
On behalf of all in the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, we will continue to endeavor to protect our Hudson resident in all areas.
SHERIFF JUAN M. PEREZ