THE NEWSCASTER-Nature Coast News
PAGE 8 - February 23, 2011
TwoAteens seriously injuredFeb. 16, seriouslycrash CCSO upgrades search/rescue technology
in Levy injured two
two-vehicle traffic crash, just before 5:00 p.m.,
for Alzheimers & Demensia Patients
Brooksville youths who were not wearing seatbelts and resulted in minor injuries to the
other six victims of the crash who were wearing seatbelts.
The Citrus County Sheriff s Office is deploying a new technology to upgrade its
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident took place in Levy County
search and rescue system to quickly locate people who are prone to wandering due to cog-
at C.R. 346A and N.W. 70th Ave. (north of Chiefland). Justin C. Siddons, 18, Brooksville,
nitive disorders, such as Alzheimer s disease, autism and dementia.
was driving a 2000 Plymouth van, traveling south on N.W. 70th Ave., approaching C.R.
The wearable, watch-like EmFinders EmSeeQ wearable locator
346A, while Cassie A. Richburg, 18, Chiefland, was driving a 1999 Acura sedan, traveling
system uses the nationwide U-TDOA cellular technology to accu-
east on C.R. 346A, approaching N.W. 70th Ave.
rately determine the location of the device wearer, enabling rescuers
Siddons van failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of C.R. 346A with
to quickly find the lost person.
N.W. Ave and proceeded across both lanes of traffic. The front of Richburg s sedan struck
Citrus County is the first sheriff s office in Florida to use the
Siddons van on the right side. Siddons van rotated in a clockwise direction, left the road
EmSeeQ system. The first units will be available to those most at
on the southeast side of the intersection, struck a corner post of a fence with its rear, and
risk who are suffering from a cognitive disorder. The agency hopes
came to a stop on top of the fence, facing northwest. When Siddons van struck the corner
to expand the use of the system in the near future.
post to the fence, one of Siddons five passengers, Genna M. Leftwich, 15, Brooksville,
“Missing and endangered individuals who wander is a serious
Sheriff Jeff Dawsy
was thrown through the rear window of the van. She landed a few feet southeast of the van.
issue not only for the people themselves and their caregivers, but for
Upon impact, Richburg s sedan rotated in a clockwise direction, left the road on
this agency, too,” said Sheriff Jeff Dawsy. “Without a quick recovery, the person can die
the southeast side of the intersection, and stopped a few feet north of Siddons van, facing
from exposure or other hazards encountered along the way. After careful research and nu-
northwest. Richburg and her passenger, Kelsey B. Barber, 14, Chiefland, received minor
merous tests of the EmSeeQ system, we are confident that this system will help to recover
injuries and were both wearing seatbelts.
these individuals more quickly, which will not only save lives, but a considerable amount
Siddons other passengers were: Cameron A. Siddon, 17, Brooksville; Michael C.
of money on search and rescue efforts as well.”
Nesseralla, 18, Brooksville; Corey T. Bay, 17, Brooksville; and Adam R. Lawley, 17. Left-
EmFinders works with local 911 dispatchers to greatly reduce the search time for
wich and Lawley, who were not wearing seatbelts, were seriously injured and transported
a rescue operation. The at-risk individual wears the bracelet 24/7 or as needed, based on the
to Shands Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville. All other occupants were
person s situation. When a person is missing or has wandered off, the caregiver first per-
wearing seatbelts and received minor injuries. Nesseralla and Bay were also transported
forms a brief search, and once an emergency situation is confirmed, the caregiver calls 911
to Shands Hospital. Siddons was charged with running a stop sign and seat belt infraction
to report the person as missing, then contacts EmFinders to activate the EmSeeQ device.
Our Pub
(passengers under the age of 18).
The device places a call and provides its location to 911 dispatchers who can then send as-
sistance.
“We ve looked at several other devices on the market, like GPS and radio frequen-
cy systems, but EmSeeQ is best-suited for our unique situations,” Dawsy said. “There s no
interference from clouds or tree cover, and if the missing or endangered person were to get
Restaurant, Lounge
into a vehicle, he or she can also be tracked while moving.”
Dawsy reached out to the Citizens Academy Alumni Association, the Citrus
& Package Store
County Senior Foundation and several other private donors to purchase the first 10 units,
which will be loaned out by the Sheriff s Office to residents most in need. The caregiver
or family is responsible for registering the device, signing up for a one-year contract and
253 Hwy 40 W. • Inglis, FL
paying the monthly (approximately $25) or yearly (approximately $300) fee for location
1/4 mile west of Hwy. 19
services. When there is no longer a need for the device, caregivers return it to the sheriff s
office to be reissued to the next person in need. The EmSeeQ product is available in two
In a Hurry? Call Ahead (352) 447-2406
different watchband styles: one with a buckle and one with a clasp that requires two hands
Serving 11 am - 10 pm • Closed Tuesday
to remove for added security.
Everything Made to Order
For more information about EmFinders EmSeeQ emergency locator system, con-
tact CCSO Sgt. Chris Evan at (352) 527-3701, or visit the CCSO s website at www.sheriff-
citrus.org.
Fresh-Made Salads: Antipasta, Chicken, Chef & Shrimp
State awards funds to rehabilitate homes
Specials, Homemade Soups, Chowders & Chili
The state has awarded the Citrus County Housing Services Division a $750,000
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to rehabilitate/replace homes for quali-
Steaks & Seafood Pasta Dishes with Homemade Sauces
fied Citrus County homeowners. The county s CDBG program will assist owner-occupied
Hand-Pressed Hamburgers Cooked Your Way
households of very low to moderate incomes and will address a minimum of 10 homes.The
program is designed to help homeowners whose homes need significant repairs but who
cannot afford to make the repairs.
Wings, Subs & Clubs
Applications will be processed on a first qualified, first served basis. Homeowners
Pizza, Calzones & Oven-Baked
are encouraged to apply soon and to provide a complete application because the funds are
limited to the grant award amount.
Subs after 4 pm
To qualify under the program, the property must: 1) be within the unincorporated
limits of Citrus County, 2) have been owner-occupied for at least one year prior to ap-
Saturday: Prime Rib after 4 pm
plication, and 3) the have an annual household income not exceed the minimum Section
8 HUD-approved income limits. Additionally, homeowners must provide proof of clear
Special Drinks Made to Order
title to their homes.The County will require a CDBG mortgage note on the home for the
repairs, though there are no payments and no interest on the mortgage. There will be an
informational meeting on March 10 at 6 p.m. at the Citrus County Resource Center Café at
the Housing Services office at the county s Resource Center just south of Beverly Hills.
JUST THE MAN
Yankeetown General Store
Randy Alumbaugh
Home Repairs & Maintenance
6611 Hwy. 40W • Yankeetown • (352)447-2532
Construction, Inc.
LAST STOP BEFORE THE GULF
Wood, Block & Mobile Homes
Across from Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve
New Homes - Renovations - Additions
Free Estimates
Now Open 7 Days
Serving Marion, Levy & Citrus Counties
50Licensed & Insured CRC058012
www.alumbaughconstruction.com
Serving Breakfast-Lunch
Call Rober t Smith:
Live Shrimp & Pinfish
(352) 302-8014 cell • (352) 447-2435 office
Gas & Ice
Office: 352-447-0655 - Inglis
Chicken, Subs & Beer
Randy Alumbaugh
50
License & Insured in Levy County
Fax: 352-447-3013
Hunters: Check Out Our First Ever Big Buck Contest!
Cell: 352-266-7113
CrimeStoppers Levy: 1-877-349-477 Citrus: 1-888-ANY-TIPS