John Walsh, who hosts the series, is a tireless advocate for missing children and crime victims. His dedication to and passion for justice were the inspiration for the creation of America's Most Wanted, the most renown crime-fighting program on television. John Walsh is very familiar with the tragedy and anguish violent crime brings to victims and their loved ones. In 1981, he and his wife Reve were living the American dream. He was a successful hotel consultant and together they were raising their energetic six-year-old son, Adam. Crime shattered the dream when Adam was abducted from them and found murdered two weeks later. Soon after their son's death, John and Reve worked to educate the public and to reform current laws regarding missing children and crime victims. They established the Adam Walsh Child Resource Center, lobbied for legislation, started educational safety programs and worked with law enforcement and the media to increase public awareness. John Walsh has been honored by many federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, and has testified numerous times before Congress and state legislatures. He is the only private citizen to have received a Special Recognition Award by the U.S. Attorney General.