Project Lifesaver
In the Spring of 2008, a committee from the Rusk County Alzheimer's Alliance, the Rusk County Sheriff's Office, Kingsley Place Assisted Living, and the Crims Chapel Volunteer Fire Department came together to find a solution to assist in finding patients who have a tendency to wander. After guided research, this committee chose to partner with Project Lifesaver International. Project Lifesaver is an organization which was established to serve the exact purpose of what the local committee wanted to achieve. With this partnership, Project Lifesaver of Rusk County has achieved a grand start in just a few short months. Currently, the recovery success rate is %100 percent.
Project Lifesaver of Rusk County has approximately 10 tracking bracelets currently in use and several more pending. The initial 15 bracelets were provided from drug seizure money and are of no cost to the taxpayers. The additional bracelets are currently covered under scholarships from the Rusk County Alzheimer's Alliance in honor of Ms. Shirley Hunt. The bracelets are powered by a single customized battery and are changed out every 30 days. Each bracelet transmits a VHF frequency which is documented.