In a world where safety and security are becoming increasingly complex challenges, few individuals have made as significant and lasting an impact as Chief Gene Saunders. As the Founder and CEO of Project Lifesaver International, Chief Saunders has become a global beacon of leadership, innovation, and compassion in the field of public safety. With over five decades of distinguished service across military, law enforcement, and nonprofit sectors, Chief Saunders has not only transformed the landscape of search and rescue operations but has redefined the standards of care for at-risk individuals. Recognized as the “Most Influential Public Safety Leader in 2025” his journey is one marked by service, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment to saving lives.

His influence isn’t measured solely by medals in a case (though there are many: three Silver Stars for Valor, a Presidential Commendation from Bill Clinton, Line of Duty Injury Medals, the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s “Service Before Self” Award). It’s measured in minutes saved, lives preserved, and the profound peace of mind restored to thousands of families. It’s measured in the 5,000+ documented rescues achieved with a staggering 100% success rate by the organization he birthed: Project Lifesaver International.

His story is not only about safeguarding lives but also about pioneering change, inspiring leaders, and building a legacy grounded in compassion, innovation, and service.

A Distinguished Career in Law Enforcement and Military Service

Chief Gene Saunders began his professional journey in 1968 with the Chesapeake Police Department after his military reserve unit transitioned into a military police unit. Over the course of 33 years, he served in almost every division within the department-Patrol, Vice, Narcotics, Detectives, and Training – culminating in his retirement as a Captain in 2001. He held command positions in all these divisions, showcasing a depth of leadership that spanned across multiple facets of law enforcement.

In 1974, he co-founded and commanded the department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, leading over 800 tactical operations in a 23-year tenure. His expertise in high – pressure, critical missions became foundational in shaping his leadership style. As Chief Investigator, he played a vital role in large-scale, multi-state, and international drug and organized crime investigations.

During the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, he served as a Shift Commander on the Olympic Security Team for the soccer venue. In addition to his law enforcement achievements, Chief Saunders served in the National Guard and State Defense Force, rising through the ranks of Infantry, Airborne, and Ranger Units. He also contributed as a Senior Squadron (Ranger) Commander and Commandant of the Middle East Region Staff College in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol).

Certified in areas ranging from firearms and pursuit driving to raid planning and search and rescue, Chief Saunders became a thought leader in tactical law enforcement. His qualifications and contributions made him a respected mentor and role model across the country.

The Birth of a Lifesaving Legacy

In 1999, two years before retiring as Captain from the Chesapeake Police Department, Chief Saunders launched what would become his most enduring legacy: Project Lifesaver International. Witnessing firsthand the heartbreak and risk associated with wandering individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s, Autism, and other cognitive disorders, he envisioned a program that would change everything.

Borrowing from wildlife radio tracking techniques, Saunders adapted the technology to create a people-centered rescue system. With Project Lifesaver, public safety agencies gained a proven method to locate and rescue at-risk individuals quickly and efficiently. His concept married cutting-edge technology with community policing, drastically reducing search times from hours or days to an average of just 30 minutes.

From a small operation in Chesapeake, Virginia, the program grew exponentially. Today, Project Lifesaver serves over 1,800 public safety organizations across all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, nine Canadian provinces, and even one agency in Australia. With a 100% success rate and more than 5,000 documented rescues, Project Lifesaver stands as the gold standard in search and rescue operations for cognitively impaired individuals.

Project Lifesaver: Innovation in Action

What sets Project Lifesaver apart is its fusion of cutting-edge technology, specialized training, and compassionate service. The organization provides law enforcement, fire/rescue teams, and caregivers with wearable tracking devices for at-risk individuals. In the event of a wandering incident, trained responders use the devices’ signals to locate and recover individuals within an average of 30 minutes.

This significantly reduces the risk of injury or death and relieves the emotional burden for families and caregivers. Project Lifesaver also offers training to first responders, equipping them with the knowledge to interact empathetically and effectively with individuals affected by cognitive conditions such as Autism, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.

Through its innovations, Project Lifesaver has fundamentally transformed the landscape of public safety for vulnerable populations. It has become the gold standard for rescue and recovery services involving cognitive disorders.

A Relentless Champion of Innovation

Chief Saunders is not one to rest on past successes. Under his leadership, Project Lifesaver continues to innovate. The organization is actively integrating new technologies, expanding its suite of equipment, and exploring partnerships to enhance its offerings. From leveraging GPS and drone technology to refining community engagement strategies, Chief Saunders ensures Project Lifesaver remains on the cutting edge.

As a certified FAA drone pilot since 1978 and a Master Flight Officer in helicopter operations, Saunders understands the power of aerial support in rescue missions. His hands-on experience in aviation and search and rescue enables him to guide the organization through strategic technology adoption, ensuring that each enhancement directly contributes to life-saving outcomes.

His commitment to constant improvement has earned Project Lifesaver accolades such as Non-Profit of the Year, Most Admired Company of the Year, and Program of the Year. The organization is not just a service provider-it is a movement, driven by innovation, compassion, and unmatched success.

Awards, Accolades, and Global Recognition

Chief Saunders’ list of honors is both extensive and well-earned. Saunders’ influence is echoed in the symphony of honors he has received, culminating in the extraordinary recognitions:

• 2023: Man of the Year, International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP); Featured on Nasdaq Billboard (Times Square) and Planet Hollywood Billboard (Las Vegas Strip).
• 2024: World Leader designation & Lifetime Achievement Award (House of Lords, UK); IAOTP Most Inspirational Member & Presidential Award in Military.
• 2025: World Leader Summit Medal of Honor (House of Lords, UK); IAOTP Lifesaver of the Decade (to be awarded Dec 2025); CEO Views “Thought Leadership Award 2025”.
• Career Highlights: Three Commendation Medals, Three Line of Duty Injury Medals, Three Silver Stars for Valor (American Police Hall of Fame); Presidential Commendation (President Clinton); Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s “Service Before Self” Citizens Honor Award; CBS Radio People of Distinction; Bank of America Local Hero; Al Cole Radio Person of Distinction; William Shatner “Moving America Forward” Award; Pilot International Hero Award; Treasure Coast Non-Profit Leader of the Year (2019); Project Lifesaver International: Non-Profit of the Year (2019), Most Admired Company, Most Influential Company, Cooperation Program of the Year, Program of the Year; Marquis Who’s Who inductee.
• Media Recognition: Frequent expert appearances on CBS Early Show, Fox News, CNN, Discovery Channel, Daily Buzz, William Shatner’s “Moving America Forward” Extreme Makeover Home Edition; Author of articles on wandering; Roles in TV series like “The Prosecutors” “The FBI Files” “The New Detectives” “The Untold Stories of the Navy SEALS.”

The Personal Compass: Family, Wisdom, and Balance

Behind the formidable leader is a dedicated family man. He cherishes time with his wife, Jean, four sons, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His downtime involves reading and family activities. He draws inspiration from books like Admiral William McRaven’s “Make Your Bed” and Jason Redman’s “Overcome.” His favorite quote, “You’re only as good as your last Op!” reflects the constant pressure and commitment to excellence ingrained from his tactical command days.

Thought Leadership and Vision for the Future

Despite his global recognition, Chief Saunders remains grounded and deeply connected to his mission. He attributes much of his success to Sheriff John Newhart, his mentor, and to the many unsung heroes who supported him throughout his journey. A firm believer in perseverance and purpose, he continues to work tirelessly to expand Project Lifesaver’s reach, with a goal of making the service free to every family in need within the next five years.

Saunders’ leadership style is defined by passion, fairness, and an unyielding focus on results. He leads by example, never asking of his team what he wouldn’t do himself. His daily routine reflects this ethos: from reviewing case reports and staff updates to mentoring his team and planning for the next leap forward in technology, Saunders remains intimately involved in every facet of the organization.

Shaping the Future of Public Safety

As a thought leader, Chief Saunders continues to inspire. His advice to emerging leaders is straightforward yet profound: “

Find something you truly enjoy and are passionate about. Pour everything you have into it and never quit, no matter how difficult the journey becomes.”

His focus on empathy, service, and future readiness defines his philosophy. He calls on modern leaders to look beyond personal ambition and prioritize collective well-being. “We need more understanding, less self-indulgence, and more vision for the future” he says. It is this clarity of purpose that has guided him in defending Project Lifesaver against legal and corporate challenges, preserving its nonprofit integrity in the face of adversity.

Saunders’ message to aspiring leaders, especially women entering the field, is characteristically direct and empowering: “Forge ahead! Don’t think of yourself as a female! Think of yourself as an industry leader and person in charge. Lead and inspire!”

The Ultimate Reward

For Chief Saunders, success is measured not in medals or headlines, but in lives saved. The most fulfilling moments of his day are the after-action reports from agencies detailing successful rescues. These stories are testaments to the program’s effectiveness and a reminder of the lives protected by his vision.

Chief Saunders has built more than an organization-he has created a legacy. His dream is not just to expand Project Lifesaver’s reach, but to inspire a new generation of public safety leaders to think boldly, act compassionately, and innovate fearlessly.

His influence in 2025 is undeniable. He is the trusted expert governments and agencies turn to. He is the voice advocating for the voiceless on international platforms. He is the leader whose “Never Quit” ethos inspires his team and partners daily. He is the recipient of the world’s highest honors, not for seeking glory, but for the quiet, relentless pursuit of a mission that matters – bringing loved ones home.

In honoring Chief Gene Saunders as the Most Influential Public Safety Leader in 2025, we recognize a lifetime of unmatched contributions to humanity. His leadership, courage, and ingenuity have made the world a safer place for thousands of families. As he continues his mission of “Bringing Loved Ones Home” Chief Saunders remains a shining example of what it means to serve with heart, lead with vision, and change the world for the better.

Final Reflections: A Champion for the Vulnerable

Chief Gene Saunders has redefined what it means to be a public safety leader. His trailblazing efforts through Project Lifesaver International have given hope to thousands of families and established a model of innovation, compassion, and effectiveness.

In an era that demands thoughtful, impactful leadership, Chief Saunders has risen to the occasion, building an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come. As the Most Influential Public Safety Leader in 2025, he continues to bring loved one’s home, one rescue at a time.