The Project Lifesaver program enables timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children, who wander due to conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Autism, Dementia and other conditions or disorders.  The task of searching for wandering or lost individuals with certain cognitive conditions is a growing concern and is a serious responsibility for loved ones and families. Without effective procedures and equipment, searches can involve multiple agencies and countless man hours. More importantly, because time is of the essence, every minute lost increases the risk of a tragic outcome. 

Citizens, who are enrolled in Project Lifesaver, wear a small, personal transmitter, similar to a watch, around the wrist or ankle. The transmitter emits an individualized tracking signal that can be used by the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office to locate the person who goes missing. Most individuals, who wander, are found within a few miles from home, and search times have been reduced with the use of modern technology. Recovery times using the Project Lifesaver program are, on average, 95% faster than standard operations.

If a Fauquier County citizen, who is enrolled in Project Lifesaver goes missing, his or her caregiver notifies the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office or the Town of Warrenton Police Department, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. Timeliness is key in successfully locating the wandering individual quickly. Through quick notification, the emergency personnel, through the use of hand held devices, mobile antenna on the cruisers or by helicopter, quickly locate the missing person. The devices work within three miles of the transmitter.

Bracelets are about $300 each, but the program is of no cost to the family because it runs entirely on donations from local service groups and individuals. There is an extensive enrollment process for those who may be interested.

For more information on Project Lifesaver please contact: 

Lieutenant Kiernan at kristi.kiernan@fauquiercounty.gov or call 540-422-8590 

1st Sergeant Anns at jason.anns@fauquiercounty.gov  or call 540-422-8709

Sergeant Welch at justin.welch@fauquiercounty.gov or call 540-422-8816