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Parent thanks officers after Project Lifesaver rescue, asks board to double program funding
Summary
A Nelson County parent credited animal control officer Jesse Johnson and Deputy William Brown with locating her eloped autistic child and asked supervisors to consider doubling Project Lifesaver funding for the sheriff's office.
At the public-comment portion of the meeting, Nikara Fizzi thanked Nelson County animal control officer Jesse Johnson and Deputy William Brown for locating and returning her 4-year-old nonverbal autistic son after he eloped from their home in April. Fizzi described how a Project Lifesaver bracelet and quick coordination with deputies and dispatch led to a safe recovery.
"Officer Jesse Johnson...spotted my son near Route 6 over a half mile away," Fizzi said, describing how the officer identified the Project Lifesaver bracelet and immediately contacted Deputy William Brown and county dispatch. She said her family is now advocating to double Project Lifesaver funding in the sheriff's budget because of the program's importance.
Why it matters: Project Lifesaver is a program that assists in locating vulnerable people who are prone to elopement or wandering; Fizzi's account tied a successful rescue to local officers and asked the board to consider increased support.
What’s next: Fizzi said she would pursue budget support to double Project Lifesaver funding; the board did not take a vote at the meeting.
