Elgin's Family Finder reunites woman with loved ones

Elgin police had a successful first test of their Family Finder program this week, reuniting a 87-year-old Elgin woman with her loved ones.

The reunion began about 1:08 p.m. Wednesday when officers called to the 100 block of Lincoln Avenue met with the woman who seemed confused and unsure of where she lived, police said.

Authorities checked the Family Finder database and located her picture and contact information for her family. The woman, it turned out, lives with family members, but was home alone when she decided to take a walk, said Deputy Police Chief Jeff Swoboda.

"This is exactly why the program was developed," Swoboda said. "It is a tool that can be utilized quickly to reunite family members when one becomes lost or disoriented."

The program, which is voluntary and free, was launched about four months ago. Swoboda said about 15 families have registered for the program open to senior citizens and children with special needs.

For more information, call the department's community services department at (847) 289-2626.