Take Me Home Program Helps Fort Bend County Deputies Quickly Reunite Missing Man with Family
In the early hours of July 16, a 20-year-old man named Brady, who has cognitive disabilities, wandered away from home in Richmond, Texas. Thanks to swift action by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO) and the county’s innovative Take Me Home program, Brady was safely reunited with his family just 15 minutes after deputies arrived on the scene.
The incident unfolded at approximately 1:45 a.m. when local resident Alec Denobrega noticed the young man moving aimlessly along his street and eventually into his garage. Concerned, Denobrega called the Sheriff’s Office immediately.
Deputies responded quickly and attempted to communicate with Brady using ESL (English as a Second Language) methods and written messages, but he was unable to respond. Fortunately, Brady had been previously enrolled in the county’s Take Me Home program, a secure, voluntary database designed to help identify individuals with cognitive or developmental disabilities who may become disoriented or unable to speak for themselves.
Using his photograph and physical description, deputies accessed the database, positively identified Brady within minutes, and even used a nickname listed in the system to build trust. That personal touch proved pivotal in calming him and safely escorting him home.
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“This situation is exactly why we believe so strongly in the Take Me Home program,” said Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan. “Because of our deputies’ training, quick thinking, and the information available through this vital tool, we were able to safely reunite a vulnerable young man with his family. We encourage all families of individuals with cognitive disabilities to register.”
Brady’s mother, Dr. Dana Walker, expressed gratitude and shared that this was the first time her son had left home unaccompanied in the night.
Sergeant Matthew Hricko, who manages the program for FBCSO, noted the importance of having accessible, real-time information in critical moments.
“The database gives us a way to quickly identify individuals who may not be able to speak for themselves,” said Sgt. Hricko. “It bridges the communication gap and gives us access to crucial information that can make all the difference in cases like Brady’s.”
Understanding the Take Me Home Program in Fort Bend County
Originally developed by the Pensacola Police Department, the Take Me Home program is now an essential tool used by FBCSO and partnering agencies in Fort Bend County. It is designed to support individuals with conditions such as autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive or developmental disabilities.
Caregivers voluntarily register their loved ones by submitting their photo, physical description, emergency contacts, and other identifying information. In an emergency, deputies and officers can quickly retrieve this information to assist the individual and notify family members.
As of July 2025, 318 citizens are enrolled in the Take Me Home program across Fort Bend County. The system is accessible to 507 officers from multiple local law enforcement agencies, ensuring fast and coordinated response throughout the region, from Richmond and Rosenberg to Sugar Land and Missouri City.
“It’s a program every family with a loved one who might wander should know about,” said Sheriff Fagan.
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How to Register for Take Me Home in Fort Bend County
Residents interested in enrolling a loved one in the Take Me Home program can do so through the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office website. Registration is free, secure, and open to anyone living in Fort Bend County.
Families are encouraged to update information regularly and include details such as nicknames, preferred communication methods, and any medical concerns.
Why It Matters for Local Families
Fort Bend County is one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, and programs like Take Me Home are proving essential for first responders navigating an increasingly diverse and expanding community. With rising awareness around cognitive disabilities, local leaders and law enforcement agencies continue to prioritize tools that promote public safety, trust, and inclusivity.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for updates on local safety programs, family resources, and community alerts across Fort Bend County and Greater Houston.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
