Chief Director General, Founder & CEO
Chief Gene Saunders has been honored with the International Vanguard Award by the International Association of Who’s Who for his outstanding dedication to the non-profit sector and his lifetime contributions to Law Enforcement.
Chief Gene Saunders is best known for founding non-profit organization Project Lifesaver International, preceded by a successful career in both the military and law enforcement.
After serving in the military reserves, Mr. Saunders got a taste for police work when his reserves unit was redesignated as a military police unit. In 1968, he decided to take a job in the Chesapeake Police Department and throughout his career spanning three decades, Mr. Saunders held every command in the police department, retiring in 2001 as a Captain. He was also Command of the SWAT team for 23 years and Chief of Search and Rescue for the Chesapeake Virginia Sheriff’s Office. He was also recently chosen as the Man of the Year for 2023 by International Association of Top Professionals.
In 1999 – two years prior to his retirement in the police force – Mr. Saunders founded his non-profit organization, Project Lifesaver International, after noticing the link between cognitive conditions, like Alzheimer’s and Autism, and the life-threatening act of wandering. The company provides law enforcement officers, fire and rescue, and caregivers with a program which is designed to protect, locate, and rescue individuals who are deemed at risk.
Now in all 50 States in America, the District of Columbia and six provinces in Canada, Project Lifesaver has over 1,526 agencies, has an incredible 100 percent success rate and has completed thousands of rescues.
Mr. Saunders is a member of the International Police Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Sheriffs’ Association, Florida Sheriffs Association and Florida Police Chiefs Association. He holds a certificate of police administration from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville in Kentucky and since 1978, he’s also been a Federal Aviation Administration licensed drone pilot.
Mr. Saunders’ illustrious career has not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous accolades and rewards, as well as being recognized internationally for his expertise. He has been awarded three Commendation Medals, three Line of Duty Injury Medals and three Silver Stars for Valor given by the American Police Hall of Fame. For his SWAT service, Mr. Saunders earned a Presidential Commendation, presented to him by President Bill Clinton. He’s also been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s ‘Service Before Self’ Citizens Honor Award, was given the People of Distinction Award by CBS Radio and in 2019, his company Project Lifesaver International was also awarded Non-Profit of the Year.
Further notable mentions include being named as Person of Distinction by Al Cole Radio Show and he was given the Moving America Forward Award by the William Shatner TV Show. Additionally, Mr. Saunders has also received hero awards from the Bank of America and Pilot International-Virginia District.
Most recently, Mr. Saunders has been inducted into the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry and was also selected as Top CEO of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals for his dedication, outstanding leadership, and commitment.
Mr. Saunders has a wealth of skills and expertise under his belt. He is a Certified Instructor in Pursuit Driving, Special Operations, General Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Firearms and Raid Planning. He’s spent many years skydiving and whilst volunteering with the Virginia Beach Police Department, he functioned as a Helicopter Flight Officer. Aside from this, Mr. Saunders is author of several articles about wandering and has appeared on many TV and radio stations both nationally and internationally.
As his career continues, Chief Saunders is actively involved in 11 different prestigious organizations and his five-year goal is to make Project Lifesaver free to everyone. Mr. Saunders credits his success to the motivation and inspiration from Sheriff John Newhart from the Chesapeake office, as well as his own patience, perseverance, education, and resourcefulness, especially at times when others doubted his ability.