The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office announced a couple of updates to the Guardian Project – Vulnerable Population Registry.
A vulnerable person is defined as someone who due to medical, cognitive, mental health, or physical condition may exhibit patterns of behavior that may pose a danger to that person or someone around them; including people who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, or have an autism diagnosis. A vulnerable person is also someone who may have mobility challenges, hearing or vision impairments or other special needs that may affect communication or response in an emergency situation.
In April 2025, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office announced Phase 2 of the Guardian Project, an optional benefit of the program; a cellular, voice, and GPS-enabled watch for those prone to wandering.
In May 2025, the Sheriff’s Office equipped the first juvenile participant with a GPS-enabled safety watch, marking a major step toward increasing rapid-response capabilities for missing persons in vulnerable populations.
On September 7, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing autistic juvenile, Liam King. After an extensive and exhaustive search effort, the Sheriff’s Office delivered the heartbreaking news on September 9, 2025, that Liam had been found deceased. The loss of Liam deeply affected all of us, our community, and we continue to mourn alongside his family.
At present, the Guardian Project has 22 juveniles currently enrolled, each wearing a GPS-enabled device designed to help reduce response times for families and law-enforcement when moments matter most. While the Sheriff’s Office is still awaiting the final results from the state laboratory regarding the investigation, one thing became immediately clear: Liam’s life must be honored in a meaningful and lasting way.
To ensure his legacy contributes to the protection of other youth, Sheriff Greg Seabolt has announced that the juvenile portion of the GPS-enabled component of the Guardian Project will be officially named: Lifesaving Identification And Monitoring (L.I.A.M.) YouthWatch. With this came the new logo.
With Liam’s family’s blessing, this name honors Liam’s memory and reinforces the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable youth in Randolph County. L.I.A.M. symbolizes both remembrance and action, an action that will help prevent future tragedies and protect children whose conditions have put them at risk of wandering.
Sheriff Seabolt stated, “Liam’s life will not be forgotten. Through the L.I.A.M. YouthWatch of the Guardian Project, we are ensuring that his legacy drives us to continue improving the tools and services that keep our most vulnerable residents safe.”
While the current grant guidelines require that an individual must have a history of wandering in order to qualify for a GPS-enabled device, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that many families live with the daily fear that their loved one could wander at any time. Our goal is to move from being reactive to truly proactive. With the next grant application—or through identifying additional funding sources—we hope to expand eligibility so that individuals who have not yet wandered, but are at risk due to cognitive or developmental conditions, can also obtain a GPS-enabled watch. By widening access, we aim to provide families with peace of mind and ensure protection before a crisis occurs.
Even if they do not currently qualify for the GPS-enabled watch, they are eligible, and we strongly encourage registration in the Vulnerable Population Registry, creating an alert in our system and providing information about the person for all first responders.
We have also added RESPOND WITH CARE VULNERABLE PERSON OCCUPANT window clings to the program.
(Cling Sponsor - Beane Signs)
This window cling will help any first responder approach situations with added awareness, patience and appropriate accommodation.
Display the window cling near the most used entrance (in a window or door window), where it is easily visible or on the rear window of a vehicle so approaching first responders can clearly see it.
When first responders see the sticker, they understand there may be a person present who may not be able to speak or respond verbally; may become overwhelmed by lights, sirens, noise, or unexpected interaction; may need instructions delivered calmly and clearly; or may have mobility or medical needs.
This awareness helps responders slow down, adjust their approach, and ensure safer, more supportive interactions.
Stickers will be available at the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office in Asheboro: 727 McDowell Rd., Asheboro, NC 27205
For more Information contact Sgt. Bryan Tysinger bryan.tysinger@randolphcountync.gov or 336-318-6687.
LINK for more information and to register: https://nc-randolphcounty.civicplus.com/629/Guardian-ProjectVulnerable-Population-Re
