Duke Energy delivers grant award for Project Lifesaver program

The Shelby County Commissioners approved a grant award check from Duke Energy Monday morning for the project lifesaver program that the county has been participating in.

Jean Renk, government and community relations manager for Duke Energy, presented a check for $4,873.51 during Monday’s weekly meeting.

The county started participating in the program, which is an internationally accredited search and rescue tool, several months ago, according to Shelby County Emergency Management Director Ryan Hansome.

Project Lifesaver, founded in 1999 in Chesapeake, Va., is a program that helps first responders locate residents who have cognitive disorders and are at risk of wandering off, putting their life in danger.

The county received $30,000 in funding for the program and has not paid anything to participate, Hansome told the commissioners.

Renk said Duke Energy was proud to be a part of Project Lifesaver.

“I know how important this is to the community and citizens who we’re serving,” she told the commissioners. “For public safety officers in particular, to be able to find our most vulnerable citizens, it’s really important that we are part of that and we are pleased to do so.”