Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 2 a.m.
A proposal advancing through the Nevada Legislature aims to address critical challenges in emergency management by facilitating victim identification, family reunification, and the delivery of long-term support services. This initiative mandates counties to establish electronic databases specifically designed for mass casualty incidents.
Last month, the state assembly unanimously approved Assembly Bill 50, now awaiting consideration from the state Senate. This bill was born out of the lessons learned from the devastating October 1, 2017, mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip, which tragically claimed 58 lives and left hundreds injured.
Misty Richardson, assistant emergency manager at Clark County’s Office of Emergency Management, testified before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, highlighting the painfully slow identification process that emergency personnel experienced. She expressed the urgency of improving coordination, noting that the prolonged uncertainty for families during such traumatic events is unacceptable.
Having overseen reunification efforts post-shooting, Richardson reflected on how the situation left families in limbo, pointing to a significant lack of actionable information. This sparked a movement towards reforming emergency response protocols to ensure families could receive timely updates during crises.
This new legislative proposal took center stage on May 8, marked as Advocacy Day at the Legislature. Families, survivors, first responders, community leaders, and advocates converged at the Capitol, all supporting the bill in remembrance of the 58 lives lost in this national tragedy.
“Today is about more than remembrance; it’s about reflection, healing and honoring the voices that helped shape this vision,” stated Tennille Pereira, former chair of the county’s 1 October Memorial Committee. Pereira emphasized the significance of the proposed memorial, envisioning it as a testament to resilience and compassion that will serve future generations. As they gathered on May 8, or 5/8 in symbolic honor of the 58 victims, they felt their presence and carried their stories forward.
The 1 October After-Action Report, produced by Metro Police, Clark County Fire Department, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2018, underscored notable failures in communication and victim tracking. It pointed out the difficulty in creating and obtaining an accurate list of patients, detailing crucial information such as injury types, contact data, and patient locations.
Following these findings, the report recommended establishing a coherent system to facilitate victim information collection across jurisdictions. Over the past five years, Clark County has sought to implement such a system, ultimately culminating in the proposed database under discussion.
Richardson noted that federal assurances confirmed that HIPAA regulations would not hinder the creation of a secure patient information system. Consequently, this led to the successful development of Clark County’s own patient tracking database, a pioneering effort designed to act as a real-time, permission-based tool that enhances communication and coordination during crises.
This innovative system has already proven its worth; it was utilized in the aftermath of the UNLV shooting on December 6, 2023, which tragically resulted in the loss of three faculty members. The proposed bill seeks to establish similar systems in other counties throughout Nevada, hoping to spread these effective practices statewide.
“There’s nothing worse than telling a grieving family that I don’t know where your loved one is,” lamented Billy Samuels, Clark County fire chief, underscoring the urgency of this legislative effort. “These incidents are occurring more often, and we need to be prepared to provide timely and accurate information.”
In addition to legislative changes, there are ongoing plans for the Forever One Memorial, aimed at further honoring the victims of the tragic shooting. This memorial will feature a tower of light, 58 vertical “candles” symbolizing each life lost, alongside a community plaza designed for gatherings. The site, located at Reno Avenue and Giles Street—where the massacre took place—has benefited from MGM Resorts International’s generous donation of land.
Last spring, local officials decided the Vegas Strong Fund would oversee fundraising and construction for this memorial, signaling a communal effort to honor the victims. Initial funding was bolstered by Clark County’s $1 million donation, with plans aiming for completion by October 2027, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the tragedy.
“Now, we’re at a crossroads, a moment to decide what kind of future we will choose,” Mynda Smith, sister of Neysa Tonks, a victim of the shooting, articulated passionately. “Let’s continue this journey together as Nevada shows the world the beautiful light it must give.” By standing united, they hope to pave the way for a compassionate future, ensuring the memories of the fallen are honored and their stories never fade.