Sheriff's Officers Receive “Lifesaver Angel” Commendations

Dukes County Sheriff Robert Ogden would like to recognize and congratulate Lt. Kelli Stewart and Major Sterling Bishop, who have been awarded the Lifesaver’s International “Lifesaver Angel” commendation for their successful rescue on October 21, 2021. Their swift action and efforts saved the life of a wandering lost individual, and represent the dedication of each member of our Project Lifesaver team.

Part of the DCSO TRIAD Initiative, Project Lifesaver is a program designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering. Our Project Lifesaver trained emergency team members are certified through training, using the radio technology provided in order to conduct search and rescue missions when needed.

Lt. Kelli Stewart, a founding team member who has completed countless rescues over her career, shares her perspective, “I became involved with Project Lifesaver because I wanted to be more involved, and help out the community.” Lt. Stewart recalled a time she performed a rescue in a lightning storm: “It can happen at any time- we are called out day or night, rain or shine. The most important thing for people to know is that, if you feel that someone in your care may be at risk of wandering, please do not be afraid to reach out and become involved in the program. It saves lives.”

“Anytime we receive a call to search and rescue, whether it is 3:00am or 3:00pm, there are so many factors that may impact the search: location, weather, and most importantly, the state of mind of the missing person. We get to know our clients and train in varying conditions because we have to consider and anticipate every factor- this is what we train for.”, says Major Sterling Bishop, Director of Community Outreach.

The letters of commendation read as follows:

“On behalf of Project Lifesaver International, I would like to congratulate the Dukes County Sheriff's Office on the successful rescue recorded on October 21, 2021 and extend our deepest gratitude to the members of your team for their continued contribution to our mission. Please find a certificate of commendation enclosed in this package for your recent efforts. Also enclosed are Lifesaver Angels pins, which we ask you to please present to the following individuals in recognition of their participation during the rescue: [Kelli Stewart] & [Sterling Bishop.]

 Effective September 1, 2019, each electronic search specialist who participates in a successful search of a Project Lifesaver client will be recognized as a Lifesaver Angel, and as such, will be awarded a single pin as the result of the first successful rescue he or she participated in after this date.

 Our electronic search specialists are very important to this organization, for without them, we could not continue our mission in all the communities that offer Project Lifesaver. To these families, the first responders who work tirelessly to safeguard their loved ones are guardian angels, and Project Lifesaver International would love nothing more than to recognize you as such! Thank you for being a Lifesaver Angel, and for your continuous care and compassion you provide to your citizens. However, most importantly, thank you for your dedication to 'bringing loved ones home!

 Sincerely, Gene Saunders, Founder & CEO, Lifesavers International”

For more information about Project Lifesaver, please reach out to SBISHOP@DCSOMA.ORG