A program that helps caregivers and the authorities keep track of people who have a tendency to wander recently turned 10.

Life Tracker is the result of a partnership between the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Marquette County, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, TRIAD of Marquette County, Alzheimer’s Association and Hiawatha Amateur Radio Association, a recent Mining Journal story on the issue detailed. Most often, a battery-powered bracelet which emits a specific radio frequency, is worn by someone dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, someone with autism or a traumatic brain injury — anyone who may have wandered off and become unable to find their way home.

Once someone is reported missing, the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office’s special operations unit uses specialized equipment to find the person, according to Sheriff Greg Zyburt, who received training recently to provide routine maintenance to the radio devices — principally changing batteries every two months.

Currently, there are 14 people wearing the special bracelets in Marquette County; in the past, organizers say there have been as many as 22.

There are presently a dozen volunteers.

Here’s one of the best parts of this outstanding program: Program participants are asked for a one-time $50 suggested donation and a $20 monthly fee to cover the cost of the bracelet and batteries. However, organizers said if participants can’t afford it, those expenses will be covered for them.

Want more information on becoming a participant or volunteer in the Life Tracker program, call the RSVP of Marquette County at 906-315-2607. This is an outstanding program that deserves public accolades for the great work it does.