Project Lifesaver Launches in Pottawattamie County to Protect Vulnerable Residents
Posted July 10, 2025
Posted by Sheriff's Office and Public Relations
The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Council Bluffs Police Department and Council Bluffs Fire Department, is proud to announce the launch of Project Lifesaver, a life-saving initiative designed to help quickly locate individuals who are prone to wandering due to cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, or other developmental challenges.
Through Project Lifesaver, participating individuals wear a small, battery-powered transmitter on their wrist or ankle that emits a unique radio signal. If the individual goes missing, specially trained first responders use tracking equipment to locate them (often in 30 minutes or less), significantly reducing search times and improving outcomes.
"We are proud to work alongside our first responder partners for the safety of the entire community within our county," said Pottawattamie County Sheriff Andy Brown. "This program gives families peace of mind and ensures that help is available quickly in all the towns we serve. Our deputies are trained, equipped, and ready to respond within minutes."
Project Lifesaver is made possible thanks to initial funding and the commitment of local agencies, but its long-term success depends on continued community support. Donations help maintain equipment, replace batteries, train additional responders, and expand the program. Community members who are interested in supporting the long-term success of the program can do so through the Community Foundation for Western Iowa. If you are interested in learning more about the enrollment process, you can call the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office at 712-890-2283 or apply online.
For more information on the national initiative, visit www.projectlifesaver.org.
By working together, our county’s first responders are ensuring that even the most vulnerable among us are protected, especially when every second counts.
