Butler Co. Deputies Train To Find People With Wandering Diseases
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For caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients, one of the worst fears is a patient wandering off. In Butler County, sheriff’s deputies are trying to prevent that from happening. The higher the frequency, the closer you are to finding the person wearing a project lifesaver bracelet. The bracelet is part of a service provided by Butler County to people with wandering diseases. “Down syndrome, Dementia, Alzheimer’s. It’s different diseases. Like I said, it’s not just old people it’s also young people that has these different diseases,” Said Butler County Sheriff, Kenny Harden. Sheriff’s deputies trained by tracking the hidden bracelet. While searching, time is of the essence — about three minutes later, deputies found it. It was good news for the deputies who were training, but three years ago that wasn’t the case. “I just talked to him at lunch and checked on him and he seemed to be doing fine,” Said Van Heartsill, son of Billy Heartsill. Butler County deputies and state troopers searched for 77-year-old Billy Heartsill back in April 2012. They say he suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease. Ten days later, deputies found him dead about a mile from his home. Now? “We haven’t had anybody to walk off that has a bracelet yet, hope we never do, but if we do, I feel confident that we will locate the person,” Said Harden. Fifteen people use a project lifesaver bracelet in the county. Sheriff Harden says he believes more people are out there who need one, but may not know about the service. The Butler County Sheriffs Office is asking for a $300 donation from anyone who needs a project lifesaver bracelet, but if you can’t afford it, you’ll still be provided with one. If you’re interested in getting a project lifesaver bracelet and live in Butler County, call the Sheriff’s Office at 334-382-6521
