Special wristband helping Bulloch, Candler counties find missing people faster

BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Deputies in our region say a special wristband is helping them find hundreds of missing people faster than they ever could before.

If you are a resident within the Bulloch or Candler County areas, a life-saving technology is partnering with the local sheriff’s departments to help them find missing people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and autism within minutes.

It’s called Project Lifesaver.

When registered people who have Alzheimer’s, dementia, or autism go missing, this bracelet acts as a transmitter signal to law enforcement.

Bulloch County Sergeant Bubba Revell says it saves lives and taxpayer dollars.

“It turns hours into minutes and it’s hard to put a value on human life. But, putting a value on the labor that gets called out. An average call out that lasts an hour you’re looking at $15,000 in manpower and equipment,” said Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Bubba Revell.

The Candler County Sheriff’s Office just partnered with the Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation to bring this to Candler County.

According to the Foundation, the program has a 100% recovery rate nationally.

“About every thirty days, swap a battery, check in on them, make sure we try to build a personal relationship,” said Sgt. Bubba Revell.

Bulloch County deputies tell us they have seen it help recover hundreds locally.

“Typically, what that looks like is that you got a caregiver that had to step away, maybe go to the restroom. Walks out, and the person they are caring for has disappeared,” said Sgt. Bubba Revell.

Sergeant Revell says that any loved ones or caregivers can call the sheriff’s office and they will come out to their home to talk about the program with them.