San Andreas, CA…The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the completion of specialized training and certification through Project Lifesaver International. This training signifies the commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of our community, especially individuals with at-risk conditions.

Our deputies and Calaveras County Volunteer Search and Rescue Team members underwent comprehensive training conducted by Project Lifesaver International. This included learning to use specialized equipment, understanding how to communicate effectively with individuals who have a tendency to wander, and ensuring caregivers are familiar with the program. Qualified deputies are now equipped to locate clients fitted with a special bracelet emitting a specific frequency. This bracelet can be tracked using special equipment.

Founded in 1999 in Chesapeake, Virginia, Project Lifesaver was established in response to the growing need for a system to protect and rapidly locate people with cognitive conditions, a group increasingly at risk due to their tendency to wander. Over the years, the program has evolved from a local initiative to a globally recognized method, celebrated for its effectiveness in “bringing loved ones home.” The program integrates advanced locating technology, innovative search and rescue techniques, and community policing courses to educate first responders about cognitive conditions. This approach has significantly reduced search times for certified Project Lifesaver agencies.

We are grateful to Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) for their generous contribution in purchasing the initial equipment necessary for this program. Additionally, we extend our thanks to the Friends of the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office (FOCSO) for their support in paying the remaining balance.

Project Lifesaver International has achieved significant success, with over 4,000 rescues as of March 2023, and an average rescue time of less than 30 minutes, typically involving only two to three public safety responders.
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to utilizing this advanced technology to enhance the safety of vulnerable members of our community. By adopting Project Lifesaver International’s technology, we are better equipped to respond to situations involving wandering individuals, reducing search times and increasing the likelihood of safe returns.

For more information on the program, or to inquire about enrolling a loved one, please contact Sgt. Chad Poortinga at 209-754-6500 or visit the Project Lifesaver website at https://projectlifesaver.org/.