Project Lifesaver was organized in Halifax County by Sheriff D. J. Oakes.

Program Coordinator:
Sgt. D. D. Irby, HCSO

Team Members:
Deputy Pat Turner, Treasurer, HCSO
Cpl. Devin Snead, Publicity Coordinator, SBPD
Inv. Angie Tribble, HCSO
Deputy Tommy Sargent, HCSO
Deputy W. D. Carr, HCSO
Deputy S. J. Tillotson, HCSO
Deputy Tracy Boyd, HCSO
Deputy J. L. Martin, HCSO
Officer Crystal Jones, SBPD

Halifax County's Project Lifesaver program is the reliable rescue program for wandering victims of Alzheimer's and related mental disorders in Halifax County.

History

Established in April 1999 as an initiative of the 43rd Virginia Search and Rescue Company of the Chesapeake, Virginia Sheriff's Office, Project Lifesaver is built on the work of the Stokes County (NC) Mountain Rescue program which pioneered the use of special equipment and procedures to locate lost and wandering patients with mental disorders. Amid the dramatic increase of people with Alzheimer's, Down Syndrome, and Autism, Project Lifesaver has become one of the leading organizations addressing the need to protect these patients and bring comfort to their families and caregivers.

In Halifax County, Project Lifesaver was organized in 2004. We are looking forward to working with the community to ensure the safe return of all program members.

Funding

Project Lifesaver, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, depends upon the support of the community. Project Lifesaver’s goal is to provide the benefits of the program to all in need regardless of their ability to pay. Funding for the organization comes from private donations and grants from government, corporations and charitable foundations. All contributions made to Project Lifesaver are tax deductible and are used directly for program operations including rescues, equipment and education. To contribute to Halifax County's Project Lifesaver program, send your check or money order to:

Project Lifesaver relies on proven radio technology and a specially trained search and rescue team. People who are part of the Project Lifesaver program wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal. When caregivers notify the local Project Lifesaver agency that the person is missing, a search and rescue team responds to the wanderer's area and starts searching with the mobile locater tracking system. Search times have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. In over 800 searches, there have been no reported serious injuries or deaths. Recovery times average less than 30 minutes.

The Project Lifesaver bracelet is much more than a passive ID bracelet. It is a one-ounce battery-operated radio wrist transmitter emitting an automatic tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day. The signal is tracked on the ground or in the air over several miles. As each bracelet has a unique radio frequency, the Project Lifesaver search team positively locates and identifies the person who has wandered away from home or a care facility.

How to Become a Member of Halifax County's Project Lifesaver Program

If you are the primary caregiver of someone who is the victim of Alzheimer's disease, Autism, Down's Syndrome or dementia; and you reside in Halifax County, Virginia; you are eligible to become a member. You can receive membership information or request a demonstration or presentation about our program by visiting the Halifax County Sheriff's Office at 8 Edmonds Blvd., Halifax, VA. Ask for Sgt. D. D. Irby, program coordinator. You may also call us Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4 pm at (434) 476-3345 or write to us at the address listed above.

Membership Fees

To become a member of the Halifax County Project Lifesaver program, there is an initial fee of $250. This fee covers the purchase of equipment and supplies that are necessary to make the program work. There is also a monthly fee of $25, which covers the costs of battery, transmitter and wrist band replacement.

Note: We are currently seeking the financial support of local businesses, civic organizations, and churches in order to waive or reduce these fees for those who are not financially able to join our program.

Please visit the Project Lifesaver International web site at: