Editor's note: Mario Cortolezzis has spoken to many Carver County communities about the SAFER program. He presented an overview of the SAFER program to the Victoria City Council at its March 23 meeting.

 By Richard Crawford

After a harrowing 45 minutes spent searching near Lake Waconia for his young autistic son, Mario Cortolezzis said he knew something must be done.

It only took a moment for his 4-year-old son to wander off that April day in 2005 and head toward the ice-cold lake.

While, Dante, was found safe that day as a result of an alert passerby, that didn’t deter Cortolezzis from searching for a way to prevent that experience from repeating.

Today, Cortolezzis of Waconia, is founder of SAFER (Search and Find Emergency Responders), a non-profit organization that works in collaboration with local emergency responders by providing tracking equipment that can help locate people who have a tendency to wander.

SAFER provides a water-resistant transmitter that puts out a silent radio signal that can be tracked with a directional antenna.

Cortolezzis said the device can find any people who have a tendency to wander, including those with autism, Alzheimer’s or Down Syndrome. Anyone with a school or medical diagnosis is eligible to participate.

Cortolezzis said after unsuccessfully looking for something that could help keep tabs on Dante, he spent about a year developing plans for SAFER.

Last fall, he filed the paperwork to make it a reality.

In the first month, five families signed up. Currently, there are 20 families using the system. While most live in Carver County, Cortolezzis said he’s received interest from others in Hennepin and police departments in Hopkins and Eden Prairie.

“I couldn’t believe how quickly people signed up,” he said. “It’s worth the peace of mind knowing that family members are going to be safe.”

He said SAFER works closely with local law enforcement agencies so that they are aware of the technology available if a missing person is reported. Carver County Sheriff Bud Olsen is a proponent of using the technology.

SAFER also has one emergency vehicle that can respond to reports of missing persons.

Although SAFER has similarities to another program, Project Lifesaver, Cortolezzis said his program allows families to be more proactive. Project Lifesaver is operated by law enforcement agencies. SAFER allows families to purchase their own tracking equipment as well as an invisible perimeter fence that sounds an alarm if the transmitter leaves the fenced area.

The start-up cost for the equipment is $260, Cortolezzis said. There is an $8 per month charge for battery replacement.

SAFER has also received some grant funding, including $2,000 from the Carver County Community Foundation. “The foundation is pleased to help SAFER of Carver County restore peace of mind for caregivers and family members by providing added protection for their loved ones,” said Mary Langworthy, executive director of the foundation.

Thus far, the technology hasn’t been needed to track down anyone who was reported lost, Cortolezzis said. Last October, SAFER was alerted that a Cologne youth was missing, but fortunately, the child was found shortly thereafter before SAFER needed to respond.

A local family featured in a television news report said the technology allowed them to go trick-or-treating for the first time last fall.

Cortolezzis has been busy in recent months educating local cities about the organization. He anticipates interest continuing to grow in the technology, especially as the weather heats up.

“Spring fever is here,” he said. “I’m kind of holding my breath.”

Ultimately, Cortolezzis said he wants to offer the safety technology in a broader area.

“Carver County is going well,” he said. “SAFER can go as many places as it wants.”

SAFER technology How it works: A tiny water-resistant transmitter with a tamper-resistant band is worn on the wrist or ankle. The one-ounce transmitter puts out a silent, constantly pulsating radio signal 24 hours a day. In the event a person becomes lost, the mobile locater receiver tunes in that person's radio signal. Using a hand-held directional antenna, you determine the direction of the strongest radio signal and walk in that direction until you come upon the person. The signal gets stronger as you get closer.

 Cost: $260, with $8 per month charge for replacement batteries. 

Information: www.safermn.net

  Richard Crawford can be reached at editor@chanvillager.com.