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Elderly Man with Dementia Rescued from Marsh

For Immediate Release : Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Release Number: 23-130

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Elderly Man with Dementia Rescued from Marsh

An 80-year-old man with dementia is safe thanks to the collaboration of HCSO's aviation unit and patrol deputies.

At 3:03 a.m. on August 15, 2023, the HCSO Communications Center received a call from Angel Senior Living (ASL) stating that one of their seniors had left their facility and had yet to return.

Deputies responded within five minutes to the scene to meet with staff at ASL while the aviation unit made its way to the area. Using technology that can detect hotspots, the aviation unit was able to locate the man lying down in a marshy area.

At 3:27 a.m., deputies on the ground made contact with the man and ensured his safety.

"This is a testament to the compassion and efficiency of teamHCSO," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our commitment to protecting every life knows no bounds, and this teamwork exemplifies that. Seeing the synchronized efforts of our aviation unit and patrol deputies makes me proud.

At this time, there are no charges for anyone involved.
To register your loved one with HCSO's SafetyNet, a program aimed to keep up to date photos and medical information should deputies ever need it, visit here: https://www.teamhcso.com/Section/fbd81d35-5ec8-4ba6-ae64-3fab8d369dc4/Online-Registration-Services