Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver is a lifesaving partnership between the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and families who care for individuals at risk of wandering. This can include people living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism, or other neurodivergent or cognitive conditions that may make it difficult for them to find their way home.

A close-up photo shows two people’s hands. One person is wearing a white Project Lifesaver wrist transmitter. Another person, wearing a uniform with visible pins and a chain bracelet, is gently checking or adjusting the device. The Project Lifesaver logo is centered over the image. The logo features a blue and white circular emblem with a pair of wings, a lightning bolt, and the words “International Project Lifesaver” and “Bringing Loved Ones Home.”

People of all ages can benefit from Project Lifesaver. The goal is simple: reduce the time it takes to locate a missing person and bring them home safely.

Project Lifesaver began in 1999 with the 43rd Virginia Search and Rescue in Chesapeake, Virginia. The program uses proven radio‑frequency technology to help quickly locate a person who has wandered from their home or caregiver. Participants wear a small transmitter about the size of a watch on the wrist or ankle. If a participant goes missing, caregivers contact 911 right away. Deputies respond immediately and begin searching with specialized tracking equipment that can locate the transmitter on the ground or from the air.

Searches that once took hours or days can now take minutes. Project Lifesaver has a 100% success rate nationwide, and countless families have been reunited quickly and safely because of this technology.

This program gives families and caregivers peace of mind. Whether caring for a senior with memory loss or a child or adult who is autistic or neurodivergent, Project Lifesaver provides an added layer of safety for those who may wander.

For information about enrolling a client or donating to the program, please email ProjectLifesaver@waltonso.org.

To learn more about Project Lifesaver visit: https://projectlifesaver.org/