PROJECT LIFESAVER PROGRAM

Under Sheriff Ralph Froehlich's innovative "Project Lifesaver" program, individuals with Alzheimer's disease, autism or other debilitating disorders are outfitted with a watch-sized transmitter that can be tracked by the Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit if the individual is reported missing or lost.

The lightweight, battery-operated transmitters used through "Project Lifesaver" can be tracked for up to several miles. Each device has a unique radio signal that broadcasts 24 hours a day.

SENIOR CITIZEN IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM

The Senior Citizen Identification Program established in August 1992. This program recognizes the need for senior citizens to carry a special form of identification card. The senior ID card includes critical medical information that can be used by emergency medical personnel treating an unconscious or confused senior citizen. Detective Pete Campanelli coordinates this program. For more information or to schedule a date, contact Detective Campanelli at the Sheriff's Office.

FINGERPRINT ON FILE (FOF)

Sheriff Froehlich started the fingerprint on file program back in 1982. The concept behind the program is to establish a fingerprint record of the child that can be used by law enforcement agencies in the event a child becomes lost or abducted. Since 1995 the FOF program has been updated. Videotaped interviews of each child are prepared that memorializes physical characteristics and speech patterns. The video tapes and fingerprint cards are returned to the parents for safekeeping. Information and scheduling information can be obtained by contacting Sergeant George Valladares in the Sheriff's Identification Bureau at 908-527-4950.

CHILDREN SAFETY PROGRAMS

The Sheriff's Office with the help of Kean College Professor Fredda Reimer developed a booklet to assist parents, when communicating with their children. Subsequently with the cooperation of the B'nai B'rith organization a handbook for teachers and children called "Play in Safe" was published. This booklet presents situations where children might come in contact with strangers and teaches them how to deal with these events.

In 1992 through a grant by the McDonalds company, the booklet was published in Spanish.

Firearms are one of the principle causes of death among American children today. The Sheriff's Office has developed two videos to educate children and teens about the dangers of firearms. These two videos, Get Away, Get a Grown-Up and Teens and Guns: An American Tragedy have been shown to school all over the Union County area. For more information on these programs, contact the Sheriff's Office.

OPERATION BREAD BASKET

This is a program that solicits funds from private donors to purchase food baskets for distribution to needy Union County families during the Christmas Season. Members of the Sheriff's Office volunteer their time to prepare the baskets and distribute them to those in need. In December 2000, over 420 families received food baskets by Operation Bread Basket volunteers. For more information contact Detective Peter Campanelli at the Sheriff's Office at 908-527-4450.

K-9 DEMONSTRATIONS

The K-9 Unit performs various demonstrations for civic and school organizations. These demonstrations are subject to scheduling restrictions. Please contact the K-9 unit for more information at 908-273-1608.

HONOR GUARD

In 1990 the Sheriff formed an Honor Guard. This honor guard performs a various civic and ceremonial functions. Please contact the Sheriff's Office for more information.