The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office is one step closer to launching a new program designed to help locate residents with autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other conditions that may cause wandering behavior.
The sheriff’s office recently completed the first phase of testing and field training required for Project Lifesaver certification, marking a significant milestone in the development of the program. The initiative is being launched in partnership with Pieces of B L U E and will provide specialized assistance to vulnerable residents and their families.
According to the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies are undergoing training and certification to prepare for the official rollout of the program.
Sheriff David Hedrick said the program will provide an important resource for the parish.
“I am happy we can bring programs like this to the parish,” Hedrick said. “CPSO will be the fourth parish in Louisiana to offer this program and have the Project Lifesaver equipment. In the unfortunate event that an individual with autism or dementia goes missing in our parish, we will be ready. My deputies will be fully trained, certified and have the equipment needed to find a missing person wearing a Project Lifesaver tracking device.”
Officials said additional training and certification requirements must be completed before the program officially launches. Information about eligibility requirements and how residents can apply for a Project Lifesaver tracking device will be released in the coming weeks.
Once operational, the program is expected to provide families with an added layer of security and peace of mind while enhancing the sheriff’s office’s ability to respond to missing person incidents involving at-risk individuals.
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