Lockbox program in place for senior citizens

The Ocoee Police Department now has a Lockbox program to easily enter senior citizens' homes living on their own. 

To qualify for the program, applicants need to be 65 years old or older and living alone. 

There is a $15 fee to participate in the program, which goes toward the lockbox. 

The purpose of the program is to help first responders get into the house faster when a senior living alone has an emergency and needs our help. In addition to expediting access into the home, the Lockbox Program will reduce the likelihood of property damage caused by first responders, who must make a forced entry into the home during an emergency. 

According to the OPD website, participants will store a key in a secure metal storage device, which are similar to a realtor's lockbox. 

The lockbox code will only be available to the police, fire department and EMS in case of emergencies.