08/24/2026
Sheriff Joey Lemons
Stokes County Sheriff’s Office
Senior Citizen Call-In Program Helps Deputies Locate Senior Citizen in Need of Medical Assistance
The Stokes County Sheriff's Office Senior Citizen Call-In Program proved its value on Friday morning when a missed daily check-in led deputies to a senior citizen who was found unresponsive inside his residence and in need of medical assistance.
On Friday, August 21, 2026, at approximately 10:37 a.m., Stokes County Communications reported that one of our seniors, a 79-year-old senior participant, had failed to make his routine morning call as part of the Senior Citizen Call-In Program. Participants are asked to contact the Stokes County Communications Center each morning to confirm that they are safe and doing well.
After this participant failed to call-in, Deputy Gilley was dispatched to his residence to conduct a welfare check.
Upon arrival, Deputy Gilley observed the participant’s vehicle at the residence and checked the exterior of the home. All doors and windows appeared to be secure. Deputy Gilley then contacted Stokes County Communications to determine whether any family members or emergency contacts were listed with the Senior Citizen Call-In Program. No family contacts were listed.
Due to the circumstances and concern for senior’s wellbeing, Corporal Persiani responded to assist, as the decision to force entry into the residence was made. Deputies made entry into the residence and located the senior participant lying unresponsive on the floor.
Stokes County EMS was immediately requested to respond to the residence. EMS provided medical care and transported the senior to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
“This is a perfect example of the Senior Citizen Call-In Program working exactly as it was designed to work,” Sheriff Lemons said. “When one of our seniors failed to make his normal morning call, Stokes County Communications personnel recognized it and my deputies responded to make sure he was safe. Because of that program, we were able to locate someone in distress and get them the help they needed.”
The Stokes County Sheriff’s Office encourages senior citizens who live alone, as well as their family members, to learn more about the Senior Citizen Call-In Program. The program provides an additional layer of safety by allowing participating seniors to make regular contact with Stokes County Communications. When an expected call is not received, appropriate steps can be taken to check on that individual’s welfare.
