Dear Neighbors and Business Community,

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office instituted the Project Lifesaver Program in 2005 which assisted deputies in the tracking and locating of Alzheimer and dementia patients who were reported missing or lost. This valuable program was only made available through the generous and caring spirit of civic groups, businesses and neighbors who contributed over $15,000.00 to provide training of our deputies, equipment for tracking, and client transmitters,

In 2006, the Maryland State Police Aviation Division partnered with the Sheriff’s Office  K-9 Unit to train and become another asset to the program. This partnership provides assurances for the recovery of a client through an airborne mission in the event a ground search is unsuccessful. Additionally, the St. Mary’s County Health Department became a program advocate due to a growing concern for elderly community residents suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia. Due to the interest and success of the program, a second receiver/antenna was purchased for use by our local volunteer fire personnel who were subsequently trained to assist the Sheriff’s Office in the event of an incident requiring a search. This equipment is stored at the Emergency Control Center for easy access by our fire and rescue personnel.

In 2007, program facilitators are considering enhancements to the operation through the purchase of a third receiver/antenna with the intent for introducing a unit to the north and south ends of the county for quicker access by our fire and rescue personnel. Global Positioning Units (GPS) are also being considered to aid in the safe return of client and rescue personnel from the field. Instances have been identified wherein personnel become disorientated during searches in heavy wooded areas and the use of GPS systems certainly would allow for the safe return of our personnel as well as the availability of expeditious medical attention for a client should such a need be warranted.

In February, 2007, the Project Lifesaver Program will once again commence our annual fundraising campaign to seek continued funding in support of this most worthy initiative which would otherwise not be available without the generous donations from our community friends and neighbors. Your tax-deductible contribution can be made payable to:

                        St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver
                        C/O St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
                        23150 Leonard Hall Drive

                        Leonardtown, Maryland 20650

Please accept my sincere thanks for your time in advance and if any additional information is required do not hesitate to contact Ms. Mary Ann Thompson at (301) 475-4200 ext. 2276 or email maryann.thompson@co.saint-marys.md.us.

Timothy K. Cameron, Sheriff

St. Mary’s County, Maryland