West Fargo Police use Project Lifesaver to locate runaway juvenile

 

The following news release is from the City of West Fargo:

At approximately 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, the West Fargo Police Department responded to a mutual aid request from the Fargo Police Department to help locate a juvenile enrolled in West Fargo’s Project Lifesaver program.

Project Lifesaver is a public safety search and rescue program for individuals with cognitive conditions that cause the propensity to wander. The program consists of a transmitter, innovative search and rescue techniques and accredited first responder training.

During Monday’s event, the juvenile separated from his mother from a Fargo location near 45th Street S. and 32nd Avenue S. West Fargo Police officers were able to track the juvenile to a construction zone in the area of 3400 41st St. S. using the Project Lifesaver technology. The juvenile was located safely at the edge of a water pit in a construction zone, where West Fargo Police officers were able to make contact. The juvenile reunited with his mother and sustained no injuries.

“This was a classic use of the Project Lifesaver program,” said West Fargo Police Department Sgt. Terry Styf, Program Coordinator. “Technology, training, timing and teamwork brought the juvenile home safely and we are so thankful to be able to offer this to the community.”

Project Lifesaver agencies have successfully located more than 3,700 individuals. Through the David Lemi Scholarship Fund, the West Fargo Police Department offers this program free of charge for individuals with qualifying conditions.