06/01/2026
Wow. How to change the world for an entire family in 19 minutes on a Friday morning. (And to think: I was probably just drinking coffee and minding my own business!)
PROJECT LIFESAVER PROGRAM LEADS TO SAFE RECOVERY OF MISSING ROANOKE RAPIDS RESIDENT IN JUST 19 MINUTES
❌️FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE❌️
PROJECT LIFESAVER PROGRAM LEADS TO SWIFT RECOVERY OF MISSING ROANOKE RAPIDS RESIDENT
Roanoke Rapids, NC – On Friday, May 29, 2026, at approximately 7:54 a.m., law enforcement officers received a report regarding a 78-year-old male participant in the Roanoke Rapids Project Lifesaver Program who had wandered away from his residence.
The man's wife contacted authorities after discovering that her husband was missing. She estimated that he had been gone for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before notifying law enforcement. Due to the circumstances surrounding his departure, she was unable to provide a description of the clothing he was wearing, as he had changed clothes before leaving the residence.
A trained Project Lifesaver officer arrived on scene at approximately 8:01 a.m. After gathering critical information from family members, the officer immediately initiated a search utilizing specialized Project Lifesaver equipment.
During the search, a nearby resident reported seeing the individual walking several blocks from his home; however, the individual could not be located at that time. The search continued, and at approximately 8:13 a.m., the missing man was safely located on Roanoke Avenue, approximately seven blocks from his residence. He was found unharmed and was reunited with his family.
From the time officers were dispatched by the Halifax County Emergency Services until the individual was located, only 19 minutes had elapsed.
This incident highlights the effectiveness and value of the Project Lifesaver Program. Without this specialized resource, law enforcement agencies may have been required to deploy significantly more personnel and equipment, increasing both response costs and the demand on public safety resources. Through the use of Project Lifesaver technology and trained personnel, the search was conducted efficiently, resulting in a rapid and successful outcome.
The Roanoke Rapids Police Department remains committed to protecting vulnerable members of our community and encourages families caring for loved ones who may be prone to wandering due to Alzheimer's disease, dementia, autism, or other cognitive conditions to learn more about the Project Lifesaver Program.
"We are grateful for the successful recovery of this individual and proud of the effectiveness of the Project Lifesaver Program. This incident demonstrates how quickly trained personnel and specialized technology can make a difference when every minute counts."
For additional information about the Project Lifesaver Program, please contact the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.
Program Coordinator:
Lt. Joey M. Spragins
(252)533-2810 (Office)
(252)529-7002 (Cell)
[email protected]
