80-Year-Old Man With Dementia Rescued From Riverview Marsh

RIVERVIEW, FL — 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 Tuesday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Communications Center received a call from Angel Senior Living in Riverview stating that one of its seniors had left the facility and had yet to return.

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

At 3:27 a.m., deputies on the ground made contact with the man and helped him to 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."

HCSO's SafetyNet is a program aimed to keep up-to-date photos and medical information should deputies ever need it.