Did You Know? Project Lifesaver - When Every Minute Counts

Did you know that last year, approximately 73 Washington County residents were safer because of Project Lifesaver? This free program, offered through the New York Sheriffs' Association and the Washington County Sheriff's Office, uses cutting-edge radio frequency (RF) technology to locate individuals who are at risk of wandering.

What is Project Lifesaver?

Project Lifesaver is a voluntary statewide initiative designed to help individuals with conditions that may cause them to wander, including autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants wear a small RF wristband, either on the wrist or ankle that transmits on a unique frequency assigned to each individual.

How It Works

If a loved one goes missing, caregivers call the Sheriff's Office immediately. Our deputies respond with specialized tracking equipment and can typically locate (depending on circumstances)  the missing person in minutes, not hours or days. That difference can be life-saving, especially during harsh weather or when the person is in danger.

For families caring for someone with autism, Alzheimer's, or similar conditions, wandering is one of the greatest fears. A person with Alzheimer's may leave home and become disoriented. A child with autism may wander without understanding the dangers. Project Lifesaver aims to eliminate the agonizing search as trained deputies pinpoint the location quickly and safely to reunite families.

In 2025, 73 active clients were enrolled in Project Lifesaver. There's no cost to participate and the Sheriff's Office provides the wristband, sets up the unique frequency, and trains caregivers on how to use the system. The only requirement is that the individual wears the device.

If you have a family member at risk of wandering, Project Lifesaver could provide the safety net your family needs. Contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at (518) 746-2475 to enroll or learn more about this New York Sheriffs' Association program.

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