Gene Saunders is the founder and chief executive officer of Project Lifesaver International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to locating and rescuing individuals who have gone missing. His career in public service spans more than five decades, beginning with his enlistment in the United States Army and Army National Guard in 1963, where he served for 14 years and reached the rank of lieutenant colonel. When he transitioned into civilian life, he began with roles at Virginia Power and American Finance & Associates. He then began a distinguished career with the Chesapeake Police Department, which lasted from 1968 until his retirement in 2001.
Gaining Life-Defining Skills Through Service
Saunders was first exposed to police work through the military, and he brought those skills and experiences with him to his service at the Chesapeake Police Department. During his 33 years at the department, Saunders held command positions in various divisions, including narcotics and special operations. He did some of his best work as the commander of the department SWAT team, a role he held for 23 years. In addition to tactical operations, the SWAT team was tasked with search and rescue operations, a responsibility that would come to inspire Saunders’ work with Project Lifesaver International.
When he noticed an increase in missing persons cases involving individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, Saunders inventively adapted wildlife tracking technology to aid in search and rescue. This innovation led to the founding of Project Lifesaver International in 1999. Saunders retired from the police department to focus his full attention on Project Lifesaver International in 2001.
Making an Impact with Project Lifesaver International
Following its initial pilot program in Chesapeake, Virginia, Project Lifesaver International grew into an international organization. It has partnered with over 1,800 public safety agencies across the United States, Canada, and other territories. The organization has been instrumental in more than 4,000 successful rescues, providing tracking devices and specialized training to law enforcement and public safety officials. Under Saunders’ leadership, Project Lifesaver International continues to advance its technology, including the recent development of drone attachments to enhance the range and accuracy of its tracking devices.
A Life of Notable Accomplishments
Saunders earned a certificate in police administration from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville in 1978 and has more recently been licensed as a drone pilot with the Federal Aviation Administration. His career in public service has been honored with numerous awards, including two Citizen’s Service Awards from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, three Silver Star of Valor awards, and 10 Chief’s Awards. He has also been honored as CEO of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals.
In addition to his work with Project Lifesaver International, Saunders has been a helicopter flight officer with the Virginia Beach Police Department and maintained membership in several professional organizations. These include the National Sheriff’s Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the American Legion. Saunders has been featured in publications such as Entrepreneur and The New Yorker for his contributions to public safety and search and rescue.
Saunders attributes his success to persistence and a strong sense of duty. His approach has always been driven by the belief that when faced with challenges, one must push forward and remain focused on the goal. He takes seriously the phrase, “If not now, when? If not me, who?” and lets it guide his efforts to expand Project Lifesaver International’s reach and impact. His primary goal is to make a positive difference for as many as possible by ensuring that Project Lifesaver International’s services are accessible to those most in need.
