Project Lifesaver founder Chief Gene Saunders highlighted on Close Up Radio

By AI, Created 10:09 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Close Up Radio featured Project Lifesaver International founder Chief Gene Saunders in a two-part interview as the nonprofit continues expanding its search-and-rescue system for people who wander due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism and related disorders. The organization says the program has helped with more than 5,000 rescues and can locate missing clients quickly using radio-frequency wristbands and trained local responders.

Why it matters: - Project Lifesaver International targets a high-risk emergency that can turn deadly fast for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism and related cognitive disorders. - The organization says its system has already produced more than 5,000 successful rescues. - The approach can reduce search time, lower public-safety costs and ease the stress on families.

What happened: - Close Up Radio featured Chief Gene Saunders, founder of Project Lifesaver International, in a two-part interview with Doug Llewelyn. - The interviews aired Tuesday, April 28 at 1 p.m. Eastern and Tuesday, May 5 at 1 p.m. Eastern. - Saunders discussed how the nonprofit grew from local search problems into a North America-wide response network.

The details: - Saunders retired after a 33-year career with the Chesapeake, Virginia Police Department before founding Project Lifesaver in 1999. - The program uses a lightweight, waterproof wristband that transmits a unique radio-frequency signal. - Caregivers call a dedicated number to activate trained local teams when a client goes missing. - Responders use handheld receivers to track the signal, often finding the person in less than 30 minutes. - The system works without monthly fees and does not depend on GPS, cell coverage, Wi-Fi or satellites. - Project Lifesaver trains police, fire and search-and-rescue teams to use the equipment and respond to the specific needs of people with cognitive disorders. - Families enroll voluntarily, and the organization says the device activates only when needed. - Project Lifesaver says caregivers, not courts, decide whether to use the program. - A past search Saunders described cost taxpayers an estimated $342,000, which helped shape the nonprofit’s model. - The organization says its network includes partners in law enforcement, fire/rescue and community agencies across North America. - Project Lifesaver’s annual conference takes place each August and brings together first responders for training, speakers and networking.

Between the lines: - Project Lifesaver is positioning radio-direction finding as a practical alternative to GPS-based tracking for wandering incidents. - The nonprofit is also leaning on training and family trust, not just hardware, as part of its value proposition. - Saunders framed the mission as a public-service model rather than a commercial one, even as he said for-profit rivals have tried to push the organization out of the market. - The grassroots growth strategy depends heavily on word of mouth from families and local agencies that see the system work firsthand.

What’s next: - Project Lifesaver wants more agencies to join its network as demand rises with increasing dementia and autism diagnoses. - Supporters can donate, advocate or encourage local agencies to adopt the program through the organization’s website: more information. - Listeners can find the interview on Apple Podcasts, iHeart and Spotify. - Close Up Radio also pointed listeners to its Facebook page.