It has been truly said that the passion for entrepreneurship is true when it is maneuvered by a desire for the welfare of the people and society. A dire social cause paved the way for the foundation of Project Lifesaver International, which, today, has grown to over 1,600 agencies in 50 states and 9 provinces in Canada with over 3,500 successful rescues under the guidance of Gene Saunders. A passionate social entrepreneur, Gene Saunders, the Founder & CEO of Project Lifesaver International, is keen on making vital contributions towards the welfare of the society that would create a difference in the lives of the people.
His remarkable and dignified efforts have been instrumental in establishing Project Lifesaver as a great organization having a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the space. Prior to taking this foundation, Gene Saunders served 33 years with the Chesapeake Police Department serving in Patrol, Vice, Narcotics, Detectives, and Training. He served inline function and command elements of each of these units. He also founded and commanded the Special Weapons Team in 1974 serving as tactical commander and commander for 23 years with over 800 operations. He was Chief Investigator on several large multi-state, international drug, and organized crime conspiracy investigations. After retirement in 2001, Gene Saunders served in National Guard and State Defense Force in Infantry, Airborne, and Ranger Units in leadership and command positions. He also served in the US Air Force Aux. (Civil Air Patrol) as a Senior Squadron (Ranger) commander and 5 years as Commandant of the Middle East Region Staff College.
More about the Nobel Initiative
Incorporated in 1999, Project Lifesaver is known as a premier search and rescue program operated internationally by public safety agencies. It is strategically designed to protect and locate those with cognitive conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, and Down syndrome, which may cause them to wander and become lost. Project Lifesaver trains public safety agencies across the country on search and rescue procedures, techniques, and equipment. The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely responses to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to a cognitive condition. To date, Project Lifesaver agencies operate in the United States, Canada, and Australia, and have successfully rescued over 2,000 people with an average search time of 30 minutes.
Besides, it was first and is the only program of its kind, and has been the inspiration for many locating devices currently on the market; though no other organization has been able to replicate its effectiveness & reliability!
A Glimpse of Key Components
There are three major components utilized by the Project Lifesaver program which enable firs responders to achieve the program’s mission of “bringing loved ones home.”
Advance Technology:
Project Lifesaver is in a constant state of research and development to ensure the latest and most effective technologies are being utilized by the program both in the prevention of wandering and the recovery of a client in the event of elopement.
SAR Methods:
Project Lifesaver has strategically designed methods and techniques for the specific use of recovering individuals with a cognitive condition. When applied by first responders these innovative strategies enable the most efficient rescue of an eloped client.
Policing Courses:
Project Lifesaver provides first responders with a basic understanding of cognitive conditions, giving them the necessary tools needed to respond to an elopement, and to assess and effectively manage the safe and comfortable return of an eloped client.
Differentiating Factors
Project Lifesaver was the first organization to significantly address the elopement issue among at-risk individuals, and since 1999, it has been the only non-profit organization actively educating and equipping public safety agencies in the protection, search, and safe recovery of wanderers. Here are some more differentiating factors that make Project Lifesaver stand out;
- Continually test new technology and offer if applicable
- Keep constant communication with member agencies
- Maintain a database for members to keep their program records
- Hold annual conference bringing in guest speakers with the newest information on the disorders we deal with and the newest technology
Company’s Future Perspectives
We will keep looking for better technology for tracking and to work in conjunction with our existing technology to improve our members’ efficiency.
The Greatest accomplishment: Founded and led Project Lifesaver for over 22 years.
Overcoming the Challenges
Yes, by staying focused on the mission, continual communication with our members and their needs, and seeking advice from my peers and counterparts.
The “Secret Sauce” & the Leadership Principles
Know your mission and the technology needed and be qualified with it; Gather good competent, loyal people around you; Keep the welfare of your people in mind; Stay abreast of the changes in your area.
The Biggest Failure & Learning
Trusting the wrong people, not listening to my “gut” instincts. I now pay attention to the warning bells going off in my head when dealing with people.
Define Success
Project Lifesaver is being implemented in other countries and finding a funding source to allow “no-cost” implementation in areas needing the program.
New ideas in the Pipeline
All set to focus on working with the latest and new technology for tracking; expanding our reach to other areas.
Leadership Style & Skills
They say I am fair, focused, direct, tenacious, and visionary. I have faced several “obstacles” in keeping Project Lifesaver on track and have been successful due to these traits. I don’t give up and know there is always one more thing you can do in any situation.
“Vision” in Life: To make a Difference
One Characteristic, Every Leader should Possess
Inner Drive to succeed in spite of all put in front of you.
The Best Advice Received Recently: Never Quit!
