The Eden Prairie Police Department has joined a new organization called S.A.F.E.R. or Search And Find Emergency Responders. This non-profit organization was founded in 2008 to provide families of children or adults who have special needs and are prone to wandering, with tools to help quickly find someone who is lost. The organization was co-founded by Waconia resident Mario Cortolezzis whose young son has autism and has wandered from home in the past.
S.A.F.E.R. members wear a one ounce transmitter on their wrist or ankle 24 hours per day. If they wander away, a family member or caregiver uses a hand-held directional antenna to walk in the direction of the transmitter while the signal continues to get stronger. When someone is lost and a family member calls 9-1-1, dispatchers will send officers to the scene as well as contact the S.A.F.E.R. organization which will send out its own highly trained search team. Officers will have access to a database of S.A.F.E.R. member profiles which include photos and other unique information designed to help rescuers find the missing person.
Eden Prairie Officers will attend a training session to learn more about S.A.F.E.R. and what they need to do if a S.A.F.E.R. member is reported missing. There is no cost to the City to participate in this program. If you are interested in learning more, contact S.A.F.E.R. through their website: www.safermn.net.
