Gene Saunders: A Career Dedicated to Community Safety

As the founder and chief executive officer of the nonprofit Project Lifesaver International, Gene Saunders has dedicated his career to duty and community. With four decades of professional experience, Mr. Saunders works with public safety departments to protect and recover those with cognitive impairments. Today, he remains passionate about client safety and compassionate rescue.

A Career of Service to Community

Two days after graduating from Norview High School in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1963, Mr. Saunders began basic training with the U.S. Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Shortly after his time on active duty, he joined the Chesapeake, Virginia, Police Department as a patrolman in 1968. He rose from detective to sergeant to lieutenant. He later earned the title of captain and held that role for over 23 years. At the same time, he served with the Virginia State Guard, continuing his military service.

Between Mr. Saunders’s experience with the 43rd Virginia Search and Rescue division and the sheriff’s office, he became frustrated with not being able to locate people before tragedy occurred, especially those with cognitive disabilities such as Alzheimer’s. Mr. Saunders believed there had to be a better method, and developed Project Lifesaver International as his solution in 1997.

Building Project Lifesaver International

At Project Lifesaver International, Mr. Saunders and his team use radio tracking methods originally developed for tracking wildlife to find lost individuals. Originally, these systems were adapted for people vulnerable to becoming lost due to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, but services soon expanded to those with autism, Down syndrome and other disabilities. By 2001, Mr. Saunders retired from public service to dedicate his time to Project Lifesaver.

From an initial program size of just over 10 clients, Mr. Saunders has since grown Project Lifesaver International into a major organization. Today, the nonprofit reports that it has grown to include more than 1,800 member agencies across all 50 states, nine provinces in Canada and the territory of Puerto Rico. Since its founding, Project Lifesaver says it has documented nearly 5,500 recoveries, with some recovery times under half an hour.

Making an Impact

Mr. Saunders always aims to improve Project Lifesaver International, but remains a firm believer in exercising caution when adjusting a successful operation. Currently, he is working with several companies to improve what his team does, but the outcome remains to be seen.

For his contributions, Mr. Saunders has received several awards and accolades. He is a three-time recipient of a police commendation and a ten-time recipient of a Chief’s Award. He also received a Medal of Honor from Project Lifesaver International, the George Washington Medal of Honor from the Freedom Foundation and a 2025 Medal of Honor from the World Leader Forum, among many other awards.

Ambition for the Future

Moving forward, Mr. Saunders remains optimistic about new developments in Alzheimer’s treatment that could slow or halt the progress of the disease. In the meantime, it is his greatest ambition to make the services of Project Lifesaver International free for all those who need them. Through this pursuit, Mr. Saunders is actively working to improve international communities and the lives of those within them.

About Marquis Who’s Who®:

Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

Members of the editorial and news staff of Life & Style were not involved with the creation of this content. All contributor content is reviewed by Life & Style staff.