got the call while at dinner. Incredibly, despite the program ’ s infancy, the individual was found in just one and a half minutes of searching! They were locked in a closet in a nearby building complex, and while they were not particularly far from their last known location, it would have taken hours or days of searching to find them without the assistance of the radio transmitter. The outcome could have been bleak. Right here in Orange County, the program is making a similar positive impact. Following Chief Saunders ’ remarks, a powerful statement was made by a local mother whose son is a Project Lifesaver participant. Her son is Autistic, and she said Project Lifesaver gives her, “ peace of mind, knowing that if [my son] left, someone would be there within minutes of a 911 call. ” She also commended Chief Saunders and Orange County ’ s Triad Coordinator Ron Kesner for their dedication to helping others. Despite these successes, the program looks to continue to improve. Chief Saunders mentioned that the technology used is sometimes called “ outdated ” in today ’ s world of GPS. However, the radio - direction finding technology continues to prove its effectiveness compared to GPS when faced with obstructions like buildings, tree cover, and inclement weather. Battery life is another advantage to the current equipment, which can last for up to 60 days before requiring a replacement. With this in mind, current technological improvement plans are focused on marrying the tried and true radio technology with modern advances that will amplify (rather than replace) its impact. In the works are receiver attachment kits for readily available drones and Bluetooth - based smartphone connectivity that can alert family members of a participant leaving a specified area, or allow them to locate the program participant at close range without the need for radio receiver deployment. Those interested in enrolling a loved one in Orange County ’ s Project Lifesaver program should contact Deputy Ron Kesner, Triad Coordinator, at (540) 672 - 1536 to discuss eligibility. Visit Triad ’ s Programs and Services webpage for additional information about ways they can help.
Chief Saunders poses with Sheriff ’ s Office staff and volunteer Electronic Search Specialists. Pictured L to R: Deputy Ron Kesner; Sheriff Jason Smith; Chief Gene Saunders; Bob Gruitt; Larry Morris
Page 12 | April 2024
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