Seneca County Project Lifesaver: A Lifeline for At-Risk Residents

Seneca County, Ohio, is home to a vital program that brings peace of mind to families caring for loved ones prone to wandering due to cognitive conditions. Operated by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office under the leadership of Detective Misty Wheeler, Project Lifesaver is an international search and rescue initiative offered free to participants. The program provides wearable transmitters to at-risk children and adults, helping deputies locate them quickly if they wander. According to a recent article by Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Coordinator, the program has been a “godsend” for local families.

A Beacon of Hope for Families

For nearly 17 years, Lynn Darfus has cared for her husband, who has early onset dementia. As his condition progresses, he has begun to wander, a frightening development for any caregiver. “It’s been a godsend for us. He just recently started wandering off, and I can rest easy a little bit, knowing someone will help us when that happens,” Darfus said. Her husband is one of 19 clients enrolled in Seneca County’s Project Lifesaver, which supports individuals with conditions like autism, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease. “Anyone with a medically diagnosed condition that makes them prone to wander qualifies for the program,” Detective Wheeler explained.

Another resident, identified only as “Linda” to protect her son’s privacy, cares for an adult son with severe autism. She regrets not knowing about the program sooner, saying, “I would have loved to have had this when he was little. He’s always been a runner.” Linda added, “I’ve been so grateful for Project Lifesaver. It puts my mind at ease.” She hopes more parents of children who wander will learn about the program, noting, “I don’t think a lot of parents know it’s available if their children are runners.”

How Project Lifesaver Works

Project Lifesaver equips participants with transmitters worn on the wrist or ankle, each emitting a unique frequency. Sheriff’s deputies carry receivers in their cruisers, which detect the transmitter’s signal, acting like a metal detector that grows stronger as it nears the missing person. This technology allows for rapid location of individuals who wander, reducing the risk of harm. Detective Wheeler visits participants’ homes approximately every 60 days to maintain the transmitters, ensuring they are clean, functional, and have fresh batteries.

“Detective Wheeler is fantastic. You couldn’t ask for anyone better,” Darfus said. “She’s very helpful, polite, and knowledgeable. You can tell she genuinely cares. I think the world of her.” Linda echoed this sentiment, calling Wheeler “great” and emphasizing the immense relief the program provides. “This has been such a major weight lifted off me. There’s no price you can put on it,” she said.

Community Support Makes It Possible

Seneca County Project Lifesaver is offered at no cost to families, thanks to the generous support of local Lions Clubs in Attica, Bascom, Bloomville, Fostoria, Old Fort, Republic, and Tiffin. “They fundraise for us so we can offer it for free,” Wheeler said. “The Lions Clubs deserve a lot of credit.” Cindy Beat, Seneca County Project Lifesaver President, was instrumental in bringing the program to the county. Inspired by her experience caring for her stepmother with dementia, Beat saw the value of the program after learning about its success in Erie County. “I thought it would be a good fit,” she said.

A Community Effort to Save Lives

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to Project Lifesaver helps prevent tragic outcomes often heard in national news, where missing individuals with cognitive conditions are found far from home—or not found in time. “This program helps prevent that from happening and reduces stress on the family,” Wheeler said. Darfus agrees, stating, “Seneca County is lucky to have Project Lifesaver.”

For families like Darfus’s and Linda’s, the program is more than a safety net—it’s a source of hope and security. By combining advanced technology, dedicated law enforcement, and community support, Seneca County Project Lifesaver ensures that vulnerable residents are protected, and their families can rest a little easier.

Get Involved

To register a family member with Project Lifesaver in Seneca County, contact Detective Misty Wheeler at 419-447-3456. To support the program through donations, send checks to Seneca County Project Lifesaver at P.O. Box 812, Tiffin, OH 44883, or contact Cindy Beat at beatfarms@yahoo.com.

Source: Sheri Trusty, “Seneca County Project Lifesaver helps protect residents at risk of wandering,” Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.

Image Captions:

• Image 1: Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Detective Misty Wheeler with one of her Project Lifesaver clients. (Submitted photo)
• Image 2: Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Deputies carry Project Lifesaver receivers in their cruisers. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)