Wildwood Police Offer Life Link

WILDWOOD – For the elderly and those living alone, a helping hand may be just a phone call away.
Wildwood police offer a free service, Life Link, which allows residents to check in via telephone to a friendly voice and, if needed, help.
According to Capt. Robert Regalbuto, the Life Link program is offered to any city resident desiring a reassuring place to check in on a daily basis.
“They call us,” explained the captain. “And if we don’t hear from them, we will call them. If no one is there, we’ll send an officer to check that they’re okay.” Although oftentimes a resident will simply forget to call, for those residents who may need help, Life Link may make the difference between life and death.
Life Link is a free program, said Regalbuto. The only requirement is the need for the resident to fill out a short form informing police of demographic information, including emergency contacts, medical contacts and a list of physical ailments. Forms can be filled out by the resident or police can assist with filling out the form, said the captain.
The Life Link program is any resident of the city of Wildwood, including year-round and summer only residents.
“Sometimes people don’t have anyone living with them,” explained Regalbuto “and they don’t have anyone to talk to so they’ll call in.”
Wildwood residents opting to use Life Link simply phone the police department at a pre-arranged time every day. A telephone prompt will put them in touch with a police dispatcher to check in.
With several dozen people currently signed up, police hope to expand the program to include even more residents.
“We hope that by applying to this program, you will feel a sense of security,” stated Wildwood Police Chief Steven Long. “Your police department is a place you can call and let someone who cares know that you are alright.”
Information regarding the Wildwood Police Department’s Life Link program can be obtained by calling the department at 609-522-0222.