Police identify missing person using Project Lifesaver bracelet: Video

New video released by York Regional Police shows officers using a tracking bracelet to locate a missing man.

The aerial video was taken from a York Regional Police helicopter as officers monitored pings from the wrist of a 69-year-old man released as part of an international program called Project Lifesaver.

In the video, the officer can be heard saying, “Project lifeguard going off…” as the officer steers the cruiser toward a TTC bus near the intersection of Finch Avenue and McCowan Road.

“It's a strong signal on the bus. Check this bus, says the officer.

Moments later, another officer replies, “Got it.”

“Let's go!” another officer shouts.

The missing man was wearing a Project Lifesaver bracelet that provides a tracking signal to law enforcement, firefighters, rescuers and caregivers to quickly locate vulnerable people when needed.

A number of GTA police services are part of Project Lifesaver, including York, Halton and Peel.

Since its inception in 1999, the program has helped find more than 4,000 people.

Speaking to CP24 on Friday, Sgt. Andy Pattenden said there are more than 50 registered program participants in York Region.

“(Participants) are equipped with one of these wristbands, they have to be monitored all the time, but when they go missing, once we get a call that they're missing, we put antennas all over the area and try to monitor them. down where the man went,” Pattenden said.

In this case, the man traveled 12 kilometers from the place where he was last seen. So using a helicopter in addition to ground crews was a major focus, he said.

Earlier this week, another senior employee in the Toronto area went missing for more than two days before being spotted Thursday afternoon by a crossing guard in Leslieville.

Toronto police turned to technology to find him after he was caught on camera walking about 20 kilometers from his home in North York.

Pattenden said time is of the essence when it comes to missing persons cases. She advises family members and loved ones who meet the vulnerable criteria to get bracelets.

“I encourage anyone in York Region to watch the program, participate in the program, and link a loved one with one of these bracelets so that wherever they go, it really does. help us identify them, and when we have severe weather, time is of the essence,” he said. “Having these wristbands and being able to track them counts minutes and this program saves lives.”