For Immediate Release

Monday, June 3, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Pepperell Police and Council on Aging Launch Safe Return Project

PEPPERELL — A new initiative launching this Friday will help first responders locate individuals prone to wandering and becoming lost.

The Police Department, along with the Fire Department and Council on Aging, have partnered to create the Safe Return Project, an initiative that will supply first responders with emergency contact information and a photo should a person at risk wander.

The free program is open to anyone with a condition that puts them at risk for wandering, including seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and individuals with autism.

“The Safe Return Project prepares us to respond more quickly and effectively in the event that someone wanders and becomes lost,” Chief David Scott said. “Time is precious when someone goes missing, and this program prepares us to immediately start searching with a photo in hand and an understanding of the missing individual.”

Beginning on Friday, June 7, family members and caretakers will have the opportunity to sign up their loved ones for the Safe Return Project. To sign up, residents will be asked to provide a photo of the individual and emergency contact information.

Signups will be available for the Safe Return Project at a Safety Day event at the Senior Center on Nashua Road on Friday from 9-11 a.m.

Residents who can’t make the event can sign someone up for the program anytime at the Pepperell Police Station on Main Street or at the Senior Center anytime during business hours, beginning June 7.

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