Project Lifesaver founder touts rapid-response tracking for vulnerable people

Chief Gene Saunders, founder of Project Lifesaver International, was featured on Close Up Radio in a two-part interview about the nonprofit’s radio-frequency tracking program for people at risk of wandering. The organization says the system helps families and first responders find missing loved ones faster, with more than 1,800 participating agencies across North America.

Why it matters: - Project Lifesaver is built for one of the most dangerous emergencies families face: a loved one with dementia, autism or another cognitive condition wandering away. - The program is designed to speed up searches before public alerts are even considered, which can reduce the time a vulnerable person is missing. - The system is meant to lower barriers for families through local agency support, simple enrollment and low or no fees in many communities.

What happened: - Close Up Radio featured Chief Gene Saunders, founder of Project Lifesaver International, in a two-part interview. - The interview aired Thursday, June 25 at 4 p.m. Eastern with Jim Masters and Thursday, July 2 at 2 p.m. Eastern with Doug Llewelyn. - Project Lifesaver says its program uses radio-frequency bracelets for people at risk of wandering.

The details: - The bracelets emit a low-frequency radio signal every 1.25 seconds. - The signal can be detected from up to a mile and a half on the ground. - The devices are designed for rugged wear and water resistance. - Saunders said the signal is not high power and is very safe, including for people with pacemakers. - The technology does not depend on internet service or GPS, which can fail in emergencies. - Families can register through local law enforcement agencies or find participating agencies by zip code on the company’s website. - Enrollment includes a personal interview, a profile and a fitting for the bracelet. - If a local agency participates, Project Lifesaver sends someone to work directly with the family. - The program serves people at risk of wandering due to cognitive conditions, including children on the autism spectrum. - Officers and first responders visit participating families monthly or bi-monthly to check the device and replace the battery. - Saunders said those visits often become a form of social support for families. - Project Lifesaver says local agencies set the fee structure, with a cap of $25 per month for device sustainability. - Many agencies charge nothing and rely on donations or small budget allocations. - Local businesses, organizations and volunteers can support agencies through donations, maintenance help or search assistance after training. - The organization says more than 1,800 agencies participate across all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. - Project Lifesaver was established in 1999 by Saunders after his 33-year police career with the Chesapeake Police Department. - The nonprofit partners with local police, fire, search-and-rescue teams and care facilities. - Project Lifesaver says it has helped save thousands of lives by bringing missing loved ones home quickly and safely. - Saunders’ goal is to make the program universally available at no cost.

Between the lines: - Saunders’ pitch is as much about response time as technology. The program relies on trained local teams already in place, which can matter more than broader public alert systems in the first minutes of a disappearance. - The monthly check-ins also serve a relationship-building role. That can make families more likely to stay enrolled and call immediately when someone goes missing. - The nonprofit’s push for no-cost access suggests the biggest obstacle may be scale, not the core technology.

What’s next: - Project Lifesaver will continue expanding through local agency partnerships. - Saunders is pushing for wider access and eventually universal availability at no cost. - More information about Chief Gene Saunders or Project Lifesaver is available through the organization’s website.

The bottom line: - Project Lifesaver is positioning radio-frequency tracking and local first-responder coordination as a faster, more reliable alternative for wandering emergencies.