Washington County residents who have loved ones with special needs that wander away from home have a new service at their disposal. Washington State Police Troop B and the Washington County Sheriff’s office announced a new program that will help families who have people at risk of becoming lost or disoriented. Project Lifesaver is a nationwide program that provides a transmitter to be worn by those “at risk” of becoming lost, including special needs and dementia patients. The service provides a small transmitter to be worn around the neck or as a watch so if a loved one wanders off police units can quickly track them through a hand held receiving device that will ping as they get closer to the lost person. State Trooper Rocco Gagliardi says our area faces certain obstacles due to rough terrain, several bodies of water and poor cell reception. Washington County Sheriff Tony Andronas points out the transmitter will work in other areas while traveling, so you should contact your local police department with your frequency number upon arriving at your destination. The program will be free for Washington County residents who qualify and was made possible by donations and fundraising by the Sheriff’s office. Project Lifesaver is a nationwide organization operating in 41 states and was launched in 1999. It has helped successfully save over 4300 lives since that time. Anyone interested in learning more about how to sign up for a device should contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office or Pennsylvania State Police Troop B.