Sheriff's office to distribute 911 phones to elderly residents

The Oklahoma County sheriff's office collected 1,411 cell phones last month, many of which will be given to the elderly so they can make 911 calls.

The office exceeded its goal of collecting 1,000 phones in July, according to a news release. The phones will be processed by the 911 Cell Phone Bank for distribution to senior adults in the county.

The phones do not come with regular service plans, but they all can make a free 911 call, said Mark Myers, spokesman for the sheriff's office.

The phone bank will discard any analog phones collected, because those phones cannot make free 911 calls.

Seniors who would like a free cell phone can get one at either of the substations, at Quail Springs Mall on W Memorial Road and Crossroads Mall on Crossroads Boulevard.

Myers also said the sheriff's office will give phones to people who are vulnerable to domestic violence.

People who received analog phones in any similar program may exchange them for digital ones at the substations.

The sheriff's office accepts donated cell phones year round at the substations. Donations are tax deductible.