Albany police induct first three children into Project Lifesaver : News : MySouthwestGA.com

Albany police induct first three children into Project Lifesaver

Posted: 01.15.2013 at 2:37 PM

Colby Gallagher joined the Fox 31 News Team in April 2012 as a general assignment reporter. Colby hails from Sewell, New Jersey and is an avid Philly sports fan.

To continue keeping the parents at ease, the three recipients will have monthly maintenance checks with the police department to change the batteries and band, which costs around $15 per month. / Colby Gallagher

ALBANY, GA -- Three families say they'll be able to rest easier thanks to Project Lifesaver, a program now available through the Albany Police Department that helps locate disabled children and adults.

Ann West says after her son Ty Christian West, who has Down Syndrome, wandered off, she knew there needed to be some sort of program to locate children. West looked into various options and found Project Lifesaver, a program that can be implemented with a public service department.

West reached out to the Albany Police Department who then went through the application process and was approved for a grant that gave them the tools and training needed to start the program.

On Tuesday, Project Lifesaver began with Ty Christian as their first recipient of the bracelet that can be tracked using a locator from up to 2 miles away on foot and 10 miles in the air.

Ty Christian was joined by two other boys, J.E.B. Morrison and Xander Lane who also received bracelets.

J.E.B.'s mother Debbie says as a parent of a child with Down Syndrome, Project Lifesaver allows her to breathe a sigh of relief and rest easier knowing her son has the tracker.

To continue keeping the parents at ease, the three recipients will have monthly maintenance checks with the police department to change the batteries and band, which costs around $15 per month.

West helped kick off the program by collecting $600 from the public to donate, but says they need to continue collecting to keep it running. APD says they need the public's help to continue growing the program which is now funded entirely by donations.

The bracelets cost around $250 apiece and police officers say they want to collect enough money to ensure more parents and families of the safety of their loved ones by purchasing more bracelets.

To donate, contact the Albany Police Department and ask for the Family Protection Unit. West will also be holding various Project Lifesaver fundraisers from Cake-Offs to Zumbathons in the upcoming months.

Stay connected to MySouthWestGA.com as stories develop and the FOX 31 Newscast at 10 PM. Visit us on Facebook and Twitter to join in on the conversation and connect with FOX 31!

Related Links

		APD receives Lifesaver Grant
		Project Lifesaver a sweet upgrade for Albany PD
		Project Lifesaver, designed to do just that

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