Pequea Twp. Oks Tracking Device Use ; Supervisors Endorse Use Of Radio Frequency To Find Those Who’ve Wandered From Home

BY ELAINE J. JONES

Corresp;ondent

In recent years, local police departments have used a lot of resources to look for people who wandered only a small distance from their homes.

A special tracking device could offer peace of mind to families living in an area served by the Pilot Club of Lancaster, representative Cathy Cieslinski said Feb. 19 at the Pequea Township Board of Supervisors meeting.

"Individuals, young and elderly, need this safety net," she said.

The board endorsed a proposal by the organization, an affiliate of Project Lifesaver, for the Southern Regional Police Department to become an associate member. Conestoga Township is also under the police department's jurisdiction.

Cieslinski said the one-time cost for the department to connect to an existing hub in West Lampeter Township is about $1,000, with additional costs for police training and equipment.

The Project Lifesaver system uses a radio frequency, which is often considered "old technology" when compared to GPS. Nevertheless, Cieslinski said, it is "amazing" to see it in action.

Trained officers can locate individuals who are reported missing if they are wearing the Project Lifesaver bracelet, which resembles a watch.

The average rescue time is 30 minutes or less for someone wearing the device.

Cieslinski emphasized that the program is strictly for those with brain-related disorders such as autism, dementia and Alzheimer's, who are at an increased risk for wandering.

"Over 2,000 persons have been located using this device," Cieslinski said. "The beauty of it is, everyone has been found - found alive."

Police Chief John Fiorill and board member Cynthia Evans-Herr attended recent information meetings and recommended the proposal.

Chairman Harry Lehman said he would send a letter to Conestoga Township requesting their support.

In other business at the meeting:

The board unanimously approved the conditional use application by the developer of Willow Acres.

Attorney Matt Creme said he prepared a written decision to grant certain modifications under the neighborhood design option.

In turn, the developer will make a monetary contribution that will go into the township's general fund, as opposed to the parks and recreation fund as allowed by municipal code.

The board also recommended a waiver of the preliminary plan, which would allow the developer to move into the final planning phase if approved by the county.

Lehman said he expects to finalize a long-discussed intermunicpal agreement with Martic and Providence townships in the near future for an emergency management coordinator.

The board, after a long discussion, approved draft conditions involving the Willow Run project, in which the developer is imposing 11 conditions on itself, and the township is imposing additional conditions.

The board agreed to settle a case of motor vehicle death at a stop sign many years ago. The township's insurance carrier will pay the proposed settlement amount to the estate of Ernest E. Vernon, with no additional costs to the township.

The board accepted the resignation of the township's full-time secretary, Connie Kauffman, effective Feb. 28.Kauffman and her husband are said to be pursuing another business opportunity. After receiving more than 100 applications and conducting seven interviews, the board announced it has selected Jill Kennedy as Kauffman's replacement.

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