Saline County proclaims Jan. 19–25 as Medical Legal Death Investigation Professionals Week

Saline County Judge Matt Groening proclaimed Jan. 19'25, 2025, as Arkansas Medical Legal Death Investigation Professionals Week for Saline County during the Quorum Court meeting.

The proclamation, introduced as a short video and read aloud by Groening, honored the county coroner's office for investigating deaths "consistent with national standards" and for serving families and public health. Coroner Kevin Cleghorn and several staff members attended as Groening presented the recognition.

The proclamation noted that medical legal death investigators play a role in public health and law enforcement by investigating deaths and "speaking for those who can no longer speak for themselves." Cleghorn, who introduced his staff and described the office's duties, said the work is often like "a ministry" and emphasized the office's mission to provide answers and compassionate service to grieving families.

Cleghorn introduced members of his team, including Jeff McClain, identified in the meeting as the coroner's chief deputy; Deputy Lucas; and several part-time deputies and former interns who work in forensic roles. He highlighted one staff member who earned a degree in biological anthropology and another who now works at the Arkansas State Crime Lab, noting they began as interns with the county office.

Groening thanked the coroner's office for professional and compassionate service, saying their work helps families in difficult moments. He asked the coroner and staff to join him when he presented the proclamation on the court dais.

The proclamation was read publicly at the meeting and entered into the record; there was no separate roll-call vote recorded for the proclamation.

The court's recognition underscores the county's reliance on the coroner's office for death investigation, forensic support and partnership with law enforcement and other local agencies.