Search And Rescue Volunteers Work Through Super Bowl To Find Missing Man

February 2, 2015

When an 84-year old Alzheimer’s went missing Sunday afternoon, the volunteers of Escambia Search and Rescue were called to assist in finding him as most area residents turned their attention to the Super Bowl.

Five K-9 teams and 26 volunteers spent their night assisting in the search Joaquim Prates, who last seen on Spring Creek Circle off Chemstrand Road — an area that backs up to the vast Gulf Power Crist Plant property. About 11 p.m., ESAR notified the media that Prates had been found safely due to a citizen’s tip.

For ESAR, it was a chance to put their new command center to good use.  Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan donated his agency’s former command center to ESAR because of their on-going partnership responding together in searches and natural disasters.  The Sheriff’s Office purchased a new command center last year using Local Option Sales Tax funds.

ESAR volunteers assist emergency responders with search and rescue operations in South Alabama and Northwest Florida. They were working out of an aging and outdated command center.

Pictured: Inside Escambia Search and Rescue’s new command center Sunday night as volunteers scour the area for a missing Alzheimer’s patient. Pictured below: The command center was recently donate to ESAR by Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.

Comments

9 Responses to “Search And Rescue Volunteers Work Through Super Bowl To Find Missing Man”

  1. john provo on February 2nd, 2015 5:30 pm

    If you have a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s and has a tendency to wander, or you think they might begin to wander, contact Alzheimer’s Family
    Services for enrollment in the Project Lifesaver program. They will be fitted
    with a transmitter bracelet and we will be able to find them in a very short
    time. (National Average is under 30 minutes search time). If you have trouble
    finding information on the program, contact John Provo with Escambia
    Search and Rescue @ 850-554-7883.

  2. john provo on February 2nd, 2015 5:26 pm

    For any caregivers who may be interested, there is a program that we support
    at Escambia Search and Rescue, for people who wander such as Alzheimer’s,
    Downs and Autistic affected people. The program is sponsored by Project
    Lifesaver and you can have your loved one enrolled to get a transmitter
    bracelet which we can and do find in a very short time if they wander off.
    If your loved one is affected by Alzheimer’s, contact Alzheimer’s Family
    Services. If you need assistance call John Provo @ 850-554-7883.

  3. Jane on February 2nd, 2015 4:58 pm

    If you call the ECSO they can tell you about a device that is worn used to locate those with dementia/other problems. Thank you to the ECSR for all they do! It is not an easy job and I am so glad they now have a Command Center!

  4. Charlotte on February 2nd, 2015 1:46 pm

    I took care of my mom for three years while she had dementia, and I would have been frantic if she wandered off. I can’t imagine these people’s fear when he went missing. I am so thankful that he was found, and I thank God for the people that helped in the search. I was also wondering if maybe people that have this ALZ have a chip in plant where a satellite can pin point their location should they wander off again, or for anyone that may wander off.

  5. EMD on February 2nd, 2015 10:34 am

    Thank God. And, thank you ESAR. This touched me especially, as my dad who had ALZ got lost and confused and wandered around North Georgia for about 10 hours. THAT was the day my brother took his keys. So sad. So glad this man was found and safe.

  6. Nathalie Bowers, ECUA Public Information Officer on February 2nd, 2015 8:05 am

    William, where’s your like button? :) So heartwarming– thanks to ESAR for all you do!

  7. Gene on February 2nd, 2015 7:47 am

    No greater Love, does a man have than to Give His life for a friend…
    Thank You ESAR for giving.

  8. Jan on February 2nd, 2015 7:08 am

    ESAR represents the best in skill, professionalism and commitment.

  9. Gman on February 2nd, 2015 5:12 am

    Good job and thanks for your time ESAR.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News