Project Lifesaver is Making a Difference

December 08, 2008
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO Phone: (608) 284-6142 Email: schaffer@co.dane.wi.us
Sheriff's Office

In July of this year, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office announced the start of Project Lifesaver, a program for local residents who suffer from neurological disorders and have a tendency to wander and go missing. In less than five months, the program has provided wristbands to seventeen autistic children in Dane County. The wristband uses a one-ounce battery-operated transmitter that emits an automatic tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day. Dane County Sheriff’s Deputies are trained to operate specialized equipment designed to track the wristbands should one of the wearers become lost. The Sheriff’s Deputies also provide the families with monthly battery changes to ensure the equipment is working properly. The cost per wristband, per year is $300.00. The Sheriff’s Office has funded this program entirely through donations. Recently, staff at the State Bank of Cross Plains organized a brat and bake sale, which raised $4,420.00 for the program. On behalf of the entire Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff David Mahoney thanks the following organizations for their dedication and generosity to Project Lifesaver and the families it serves. · The Helen Bader Foundation · MG & E · UW Health · The Waisman Center · Madison South Rotary · Alliant Energy Foundation · State Bank of Cross Plains · Stoughton Lioness Club · Dane County Credit Union · Blue Mounds Royal Neighbors · Dane County Deputy Sheriff’s Association · Group Health Cooperative · Alliant Energy Foundation In addition to these organizations, the Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the many private donors for their support. For more information on how to participate in Project Lifesaver or how to sponsor a wristband, contact Sgt. Lorie Wiessinger at (608) 849-2661, or click on the Project Lifesaver link at www.danesheriff.com.