
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, October 22, 1994                   TAG: 9410240038
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

SENIORS TAKING OVER SHERIFF'S CALLS TO SHUT-INS|

A program started by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office two years ago to regularly check on the elderly and those who live alone is being taken over by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

The Sheriff's Office started the "Elderly/Singles Registry" two years ago after several crimes focused on the elderly as victims. Those who register with the program are called once a week to make sure they are OK. Volunteers also call them during severe weather such as flooding and blizzards.

Calls made during last winter's severe weather in some cases led to getting elderly people to shelter faster than they otherwise would have.

"We may never know whose lives we might have saved by setting this up," said Deputy John Yon, a crime prevention officer.

If volunteers cannot reach a participant, they will check with family and friends before calling the Sheriff's Office to report a possible problem.

Yon said about 30 people signed up with the Sheriff's Office program. That number is expected to grow with RSVP expanding the coverage area into the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Yon said the program may also be expanded to include other parts of the New River Valley.

New applicants may register either with Yon at the Sheriff's Office, 382-6906, or with RSVP at 382-5775.

If necessary, Yon will make a home visit to obtain information and explain the program.

by CNB