Management

Board Members

Contact Us @ boardoftrustees@projectlifesaver.org

Rick Derus is the Detachment Commander for Essex County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police. He commands a staff of 160 employees providing policing services to over 100,000 residents of Lakeshore, Tecumseh, Essex and Kingsville. Inspector Derus has been a police officer for 26 years and has served in a variety of locations and assignments including the Tactical Response Team and as a Team Leader for the Emergency Response Team. He is also one of fourteen qualified Critical Incident Commanders for the OPP that are responsible for the resolution of high risk incidents across the Province. Inspector Derus has been an avid supporter of Project Lifesaver since the program was first introduced to Canada in 2005. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Project Lifesaver Ontario and also serves as Chairman of the Project Lifesaver International Board of Trustees.

David Aston is the father of a child with autism. A native of Chatham, NJ, David lives in the Buffalo, NY, area. He is a graduate of Colgate University and attended Tulane University graduate school. David is a 9-year plasma donor for the American Red Cross. In addition, he currently serves as President of the Summit Educational Resources Foundation and is President-elect of the Central Amherst Little League. David is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Bornhava Pre-school (a school for children with developmental disabilities) and also runs the Summit Academy Golf Tournament (hosted by NHL All-Star Brian Campbell). David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce and is the Founder of the Western New York Chapter of Project Lifesaver. David has been married for 13 years to his wife Kim and has two children – Madison and Sawyer.

Eric J. Hall is the President and Founding Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), headquartered in New York City. Mr. Hall spearheaded the development of AFA, a national nonprofit organization, to improve the quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and their families, and so that organizations from coast-to-coast could speak as one voice to advocate for optimal care and to enhance local support services. Under Mr. Hall’s vision and leadership, AFA currently unites more than 1,200 member organizations and associate member organizations in the United States. Among his numerous accomplishments, he has rolled out three major national initiatives-AFA Quilt to Remember, National Memory Screening Day and National Commemorative Candle Lighting; formed a groundbreaking division for dementia care professionals and national standards for excellence in care at dementia care settings; captured the attention of Congress, state legislators and other government officials about the importance of early detection; introduced the nation’s first magazine for dementia caregivers; and forged strategic partnerships with other major national organizations. A sought-after presenter and motivational speaker, Mr. Hall has keynoted regional and national conferences on Alzheimer’s disease and care issues. He has appeared on or has been quoted frequently in local and national media, including The Early Show, the Today show, Time Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, O: The Oprah Magazine, and CNN Radio. Mr. Hall is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer’s Foundation for Caregiving in Canada, an AFA sister organization that he established to bring similar programs and services to Canada. Currently, he is a member of the Board of Project Lifesaver International, Chesapeake, VA., and a member of numerous advisory boards and professional organizations, including the advisory council of Accelerate Cure/Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease (ACT-AD), a coalition of 50 national organizations. Mr. Hall has a strong record of achievement in advising and leading nonprofit organizations to achieve their full financial and operational potential. Prior to founding AFA, he served as Chief Executive Officer of a local grassroots Alzheimer’s organization, and earlier as Chief Operating Officer and Administrator of the New Jersey branch of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, an international religious charity at which he directed the establishment of a multi-million dollar living facility for mature adults in the Bronx, NY.

Brad Trahan was appointed to the Project Lifesaver International Board of Trustees in September 2009. Brad is the proud father of a son, Reece, who was diagnosed with severe autism on 01-23-2003. In addition to his son Reece, Brad is the proud husband of Joanie Trahan and kids; Brenden-11 and Payton 6. With the Trahan family is Reece’s Service Dog, Pudge, placed with Reece on 03-31-2007. The Trahan’s live in Rochester, MN. Brad and his wife are founders of the RT Autism Awareness Foundation, Inc. also based in Rochester, MN. www.RTAutismAwareness.org Brad also serves as the Executive Director of RTAAF. It has been the personal message of the Trahan’s and also through their foundation that it is critical to Educate, Advocate and bring Awareness to “Autism: The Cause and Affect on the Individual and Family”. Brad spearheaded the legislator’s in the State of Minnesota to write a Legislation introducing “Lifesaver Technology” that would allow financial grants for all 87-counties in the State of Minnesota to implement this tracking device technology. [Minnesota House File 0622/Senate File 1138]. While Brad was disappointed this legislation came up just short in 2009, it is felt that there is great momentum to get his legislation passed in 2010. Brad also served as Chair of the Minnesota Senate Autism Task Force from October 2008-March 2009, initiating two public forums in the State of Minnesota and initiating a state-wide public survey. It was simply Brad’s goal to “unite” this cause as one. Brad and Joanie were the recipient’s of the 2004 Kids Day America/International Children’s Empowerment Award for their Outstanding Commitment and Dedication to the Children in their Community. Brad and his wife Joanie also received the Rochester 2005 Mayor’s Medal of Honor for Services “To Those With Disabilities”. RTAAF organizes Autism Awareness Day with the Minnesota Twins and RTAAF has also been accepted into the Minnesota Vikings Charity Network. Heath Farwell #59 Linebacker/Special Teams Minnesota Vikings and Brian Russell #26 Free Safety Jacksonville Jaguars spokespersons for RTAAF. In addition to the legislation that Brad has had introduced, he has also advocated hard for other legislation in the State of Minnesota that would assist individuals and families dealing with autism including; Insurance coverage for “Medically Prescribed Therapy”, Lowering the cost of Parental Fees, Changing notification of continued Medical Assistance coverage from 3-months to 6-months [to allow families time to set medical appointments for continued coverage] and assisted in getting legislation passed in 2009 for a Joint House-Senate Autism Task Force for 2-years. Brad also assist’s families, when called upon, to advocate for them in public school IEP meetings. Brad and his foundation have been directly responsible for assisting with either monetary funding and or speaking engagements to implement PROJECT LIFESAVER INTERNATIONAL into several Minnesota Counties. Olmsted County MN, where Brad lives, began Project Lifesaver in April 2007 and has grown to approximately 60 clients and it continues to grow rapidly. Through RTAAF, Team 25: Shjon Podeins Children’s Foundation [Former NHL Hockey Player] and THINK Mutual Bank; the three organizations raised $25,000.00 to implement PROJECT LIFESAVER INTERNATIONAL in 7-additional SE Minnesota counties in the summer of 2009. Brad’s hobby during some off-time is having bon fires and socializing with neighbors. Brad also volunteers with his sons youth events and helps in the community whenever he can. However, being a full-time husband, father, employee, and RTAAF Executive Director which involves planning and organizing many events, time is precious. Brad’s favorite quote/saying is, “BELIEVE and you will ACHIEVE!” Brad is humbled and honored to serve on the PROJECT LIFESAVER INTERNATIONAL Board of Trustees.

ABOUT THE CHIEF:

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Project Lifesaver International Chief of Search and Rescue Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office (Virginia 43rd Search and Rescue)

Education and Training

* General Studies, Old Dominion University/ Tidewater Community College, Southern Police Institute, University of Louisville, extensive military and police Special Operations Training and experience.

Career Experience

• Retired Police Captain Chesapeake Police Department (Virginia). Retired February 2001 with 33 years of service:
• Founded Chesapeake PD SWAT Team; commanded for 23 years
• Commanding Officer of Training Academy, Vice & Narcotics, Criminal Investigations and Special Investigations
• Served in various commands throughout police career
• Certified Instructor in firearms, emergency vehicle pursuit and driving; General Police Instructor
• Directed and Manage various large scale tactical operations involving criminal manhunts, hostage situations, and other special incidents/events
• Served in National and State Guard commanding Aviation and Ranger Units, rank of Major
• Certified Master Flight Officer for Helicopter Operations and Master Mission Specialist for Search & Rescue (SAR)Fixed Wing Operations
• Shift Commander, 1996 Olympic Games, Atlanta, Georgia
• 1983-present, serve in the 43rd Virginia SAR Company
• 1986- 2009 served as Chief of 43rd Virginia SAR Company
• Supervised and directed numerous SAR missions for downed aircraft, missing persons, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance
• Certified Static Line and Free-fall Parachutist
• Founder of Project Lifesaver: An innovative program employing creative strategies and the application of state-of-the art electronic transmitter technology to swiftly locate and rescue lost/wandering persons enrolled in the project

Memberships

• Member of National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR)
• Member of Virginia Search and Rescue (SAR) Council
• Member of Airborne Law Enforcement Association
• Member of Pilot International
• Board of Trustees – Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
• Past President (5yrs) Board of Directors – Arbors at Cape Henry
• Aircraft Owners/ Pilot Association (AOPA)
• UDT/SEAL Association
• Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Assoc.

Other

• Sworn Deputy – Chesapeake, VA Sheriff’s Office
• Sworn Deputy – Norfolk County, MA Sheriff’s Office
• Honorary Deputy – Lynchburg Sheriff’s Office
• Guest Lecturer – Old Dominion University, College of William& Mary, Tidewater Community College and Radford University.
• Lead and supporting roles in national TV’s “The New Detectives,” “FBI Files”, “The Prosecutors”, and “Untold Stories of the Navy SEALS”, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
• 2005 Delegate to the White House Conference on Aging
• International Chiefs of Police Missing Alzheimer’s Patient Initiative Committee

Awards

• Police – Silver Star for Valor (3), Meritorious Service (3), Line of Duty Injury, Chief’s Award for Leadership, Outstanding Young Man, Officer of the Quarter, Star Performer (2) and numerous commendations
• Sheriff – Sheriff’s Achievement (2), Distinguished Volunteer Service, Meritorious Service – SAR (2), Disaster Relief (7), 30 Mission Bar, Lifesaving (3), Unit Commendation(4), Project Lifesaver Mission (140), Carlos Hathcock Award (2) and Military Service
• 2001 – SWAT Service Commendation from the President of the United States
• National – Lifesaver Mission Award; Exceptional Service Award
• Masonic – “Building Communities Award” (2)
• 2005- Care Track – Leadership, Vision Award
• Who’s Who – 1989 American Law Enforcement; 1991 Who’s Who in Law Enforcement
• 2004 – Strathmores – America Leaders; 2005 _ABI Directory of Experts, 2005 ABI Man of the Year
• WAVY TV ” Shining Star Award”
• ABI American Medal of Honor
• Lt. Col. Civil Air Patrol (Ret>0 – Commandant – Middle East Region Staff College (4 years); Squadron Commander – 5 years
• ABI Hall of Fame 2006
• America’s Most Wanted TV Show All-Star Nominee 2008
• Bank of America Local Hero Award 2009

Project Lifesaver International Staff

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Sheriff John Newhart – Chesapeake, VA Sheriff Randy Krukow – Clay County, IA Eric J. Hall – President/CEO, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Sheriff Michael Bellotti – Norfolk County, MA LTC Robert Wash – Norfolk Sheriff’s Office, VA Cynthia Beauman – NAA, Spencer, IA Sheriff Ted Sexon – Tuscaloosa, AL Sheriff Ed Rochford – Morris County, NJ Chief Rex Lowmiller – S. Williamsport, PA Sheriff Leon Lott – Richland City, SC Wendy Fournier – President, National Autism Association Douglas Mueller – Naval Space Command Debbie Archer – Past President, Pilot International Jon S. Poling, M.D., Ph.D – Athens Neurological, GA Pat Jarvis, Present President, Pilot International A.M. “Jake” Jacocks – Chief of Police, Virginia Beach, VA, Michelle Damone – Palm Beach Project Lifesaver, Florida