By Roslyn Ryan
Editor

As Powhatan residents were joyously welcoming the troops of the 180th home in the Courthouse Oct. 6, they likely weren’t aware of the search and rescue mission being undertaken just a few hundred yards away.

Admittedly, that may be because it didn’t take teams of search dogs or air support for Powhatan Sherriff’s Deputy Brad Luxford to find the elderly Alzheimer’s sufferer who had wandered away from his home shortly before 4 p.m. that day.

Luxford, who heads up Powhatan’s Project Lifesaver, needed just two tracking devices (one mounted in his patrol car and another handheld device he keeps with him) to locate the man and bring him to safety.
Luxford was able to track the man, one of eight Project Lifesaver clients in Powhatan, by way of a small transmitter worn around his wrist. It took just 25 minutes to find him a short distance from his home. As it turned out, he had become entangled in some brambles and was unable to free himself.

Luxford, Deputy Andy Parisi and Deputy Ron Sadler quickly brought the man to safety and waited as rescue workers checked him out before releasing him to his family.

The Project Lifesaver program is available to all area families caring for members with either Alzheimer’s or autism, as both conditions often lead victims to wander from home if left unattended.

Participation in the program involves only a simple application process and a note from a physician confirming the participant’s diagnosis.

This was the first search for Luxford, who took the Project Lifesaver duty over from another deputy a little over two years ago. And while this case had a happy ending, Luxford insists he has seen similar cases end tragically.
In cases where an Alzheimer’s patient wanders away from home, said Luxford, time is often the most critical factor.

Using the antenna and transmitter system means they don’t have to rely on traditional search tactics, such as dogs or search parties, which often involve more time and more manpower.

The costs involved in running the program, including batteries for transmitters and replacement armbands, are covered by donations. Anyone wishing to make a gift to the Project Lifesaver program, or who has questions about the program, is asked to call the Powhatan Sheriff’s Department at (804) 598-5652.