Our police department provides many community-oriented
programs in an effort to better serve and protect our residents, businesses and
commuters throughout their days here in South Fayette Township.
One of the services the department provides is “Project Lifesaver”
at no cost to participants. The program’s primary mission is to provide a
timely search response aimed at saving lives and reducing potential injuries of
adults and children who wander away due to Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome,
dementia or other cognitive conditions.
Project Lifesaver provides certified officers with effective
procedures and equipment that help find people who have become lost and need
assistance. Time is of the essence when searching for people suffering from
these conditions, and Project Lifesaver is a significant way to address this
growing and serious issue.
Project Lifesaver consists of three key components: 1)
providing a basic understanding of dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism and other
disorders; 2) teaching responders search-and-rescue techniques; and 3) applying
appropriate tracking technology.
The South Fayette Township Police Department, with the
assistance of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, is fortunate to
be part of this countywide effort, which involves more than 40 trained officers
from agencies throughout the county. These officers are trained and certified to
use special tracking devices, including a bracelet with a transmitter and a
vehicle-mounted receiver, which are provided to participating agencies at no
cost.
Here in South Fayette, two certified officers—Michael
Blocher and Bryan Monyak—have been trained to use the Project Lifesaver
equipment. The District Attorney’s Office has assigned South Fayette Township
and Moon Township officers to respond to Project Lifesaver issues in the
southwest portion of Allegheny County. Additionally, our officers are on call
24 hours a day for any Project Lifesaver issue that could arise countywide.
Citizens interested in registering a loved one for the free Project
Lifesaver program may contact Assistant District Attorney Angela Kelly
412-350-5049.
Thank you.
—Police Chief John R. Phoennik