The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner (CCOCME) has been recognized with the Community Hero Award from Nevada Child Seekers for its innovative efforts in resolving missing persons cases. The award was presented on Saturday, May 3, during the Nevada Child Seekers’ festival at the Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix.

The award highlights the success of the office’s efforts and partnership with Nevada Child Seekers through the Missing In Nevada Day (MIND) program co-organized by Clark County Coroner Melanie Rouse and UNLV doctoral candidate Liam Johnson. Liam, a fourth-year doctoral candidate studying biological anthropology with a background in forensic anthropology and geospatial analysis, played a key role in organizing the event in February that convened agencies, families and the public to address unresolved missing persons cases. Their collaboration has led to identifying previously unidentified remains while providing closure to families.

“This recognition reflects our team's deep commitment to serving our community’s most vulnerable populations,” said Melanie Rouse, Clark County Coroner. “Through partnerships with organizations like Nevada Child Seekers and educational institutions like UNLV, we have reduced case backlogs, helped reunite families with missing loved ones, and implemented preventative programs that protect at-risk youth.”

MIND’s impact was immediate: the event helped locate two missing individuals alive—including one person who had been separated from their family for nine years. CLICK HERE for the highlights from the event.

“No single agency can solve the complex challenges of missing persons cases alone,” said Margarita Edwards, Executive Director of Nevada Child Seekers. “Our Community Hero Award recognizes the outstanding leadership of Melanie Rouse and Liam Johnson in building bridges between government, academia, and nonprofits to bring families healing and hope.”

“The collaboration between Clark County, UNLV, and Nevada Child Seekers exemplifies how academic institutions can contribute to solving real-world challenges,” said Dr. Jennifer Byrnes, Associate Professor of Anthropology at UNLV. “Through this partnership, our doctoral students like Liam Johnson gain invaluable experience while helping to develop innovative solutions that serve our community. We're proud to be part of this important work.”

The Coroner's Office continues to lead with evidence-based strategies and strong partnerships. In addition to investigating deaths within Southern Nevada and determining the cause and manner, the office provides forensic pathology and identification services while collaborating with law enforcement, public health officials, and community partners.