The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Department, with support from Tazewell Moose Lodge No. 198 and the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, has launched a program to provide free digital identification cards for children. Known as EZ IDs, these compact tools are designed to give families peace of mind and to give law enforcement a powerful head start if a child ever goes missing.
At a recent community event hosted by the Tazewell Moose Lodge—complete with free pizza and toys—local families were able to stop by and have an EZ ID created for their children by the Sheriff’s Department. The turnout reflected just how much the community values having a practical, ready-to-go safety resource on hand.
What Makes an EZ ID Different?
Unlike a standard paper or plastic ID card, an EZ ID stores a child’s identifying information digitally on a small, portable flash drive. That difference matters a great deal in an emergency, when every minute counts and quick access to accurate information can make all the difference.
Each EZ ID can hold far more than a traditional card, including:
- A complete set of fingerprints: All ten of a child’s fingerprints can be stored on the drive, giving investigators detailed identifying data
- A current photo: An up-to-date image that reflects how the child looks right now
- A voice recording: The device can capture a child answering simple questions, preserving a sample of their voice
- Multiple siblings on one drive: Families can keep records for all of their children together in a single, easy-to-find place
- Durable digital storage: Because the information is digital, it won’t fade or wear out the way a physical card can over time
Because children’s appearances change as they grow, officials recommend updating a child’s EZ ID about once a year so the photo and details always stay current.
A Tool That Helps Bring Children Home
The real value of an EZ ID becomes clear in the moments when it is needed most. When a child goes missing, law enforcement’s first hours are critical—and having immediate access to a current photo, fingerprints, and other details allows them to act quickly and share accurate information with other agencies and the public.
Program organizers point to real cases in which this technology has helped reunite families. In one example shared at the event, a child who had gone missing was found safe within hours after a parent who had recently attended a Safe Surfin’ event was able to hand investigators the flash drive containing their child’s information. Stories like these underscore why having an EZ ID ready—before an emergency ever happens—can be so important.
Community Collaboration in Action
This program is a powerful example of what becomes possible when local organizations work together. Members of the Tazewell Moose Lodge donated the EZ ID machine to the Sheriff’s Department through their partnership with the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, making it possible to offer these IDs to local families at no cost.
That spirit of collaboration—law enforcement, a dedicated service organization, and a child-safety foundation all pulling in the same direction—is exactly what makes initiatives like this so effective. Together, these partners are helping ensure that Tazewell County families are better prepared in the event of an emergency.
How Families Can Get an EZ ID
The EZ ID program is free, and parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to take advantage of it. Officials plan to host additional events like this one in the future, and families who want an EZ ID in the meantime can reach out directly to arrange one.
To get started, families can contact the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Department to schedule a time, or contact the Safe Surfin’ Foundation to find the EZ ID machine nearest to them.
About the Safe Surfin’ Foundation
For more than 25 years, the Safe Surfin’ Foundation has been dedicated to protecting children through education, technology, and community partnerships. Through programs like EZ ID and Cyber S.W.A.T., the foundation equips families, schools, and law enforcement with practical tools to help keep young people safe—both online and in their communities. The Tazewell County EZ ID program is one more example of that mission in action.
🔗 Read More: Tazewell Co. Sheriff’s Dept. gives kids digital IDs thanks to Moose Lodge (WVVA)
Learn More About the Safe Surfin’ Foundation
Visit SafeSurfin.org to learn more about the EZ ID program, the Cyber S.W.A.T. program, and other initiatives protecting youth in the digital age. Together, we can help keep every child safe.