The chief responsibility of the coroner is to determine the cause of death in cases involving violence, casualty, unexplained or suspicious circumstances or when the person has been found dead. When notified of a death under any of the above circumstances, the coroner must alert and obtain the investigative assistance of the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the area.When the coroner determines the cause of death, the law requires the coroner to file a death certificate of his or her findings with the local health officer. If an autopsy is necessary, the coroner must employ a qualified pathologist to conduct it. Additional reports of the cause of death may be filed with the clerk of the circuit court.Term: 4 years -- 2 terms or 8 years of service in a period of 12 yearsSalary: $60,540 per year ($40,360 base rate with increase of $20,180 due to status as physician)for more information, visit the Indiana State Coroners Training Board website
Campaign Phone
(812) 870-6301
Education
Mid-America College
Attended Purdue University
Occupational history and current position
Funeral Director
The qualities I will bring to this office is the ability to treat it as a full time position. I will be there to manage the day to day operation of the office. To oversee and serve as the administrator for all aspects of this position including personally arriving at most scenes to serve as the administrator of any investigations in cooperation with law enforcement. Monitoring the pathologist, transportation service, and determining if an autopsy is required.
I am the only candidate with three decades of experience as a licensed funeral director and former owner of Fitzpatrick Funeral Home. With this, I bring a deep understanding of our communities needs as your Coroner. Hundreds of times I have assisted families in these situations. Dealing not only with Vigo County but numerous Coroners in many counties throughout the United States.
I am most accustomed to the necessity of being on call twenty four seven without other business obligations having priority over this position.
None of the candidates running are forensic pathologist and therefore would not be conducting their own autopsies. As a licensed embalmer I have taken care of hundreds of cases after the completion of an autopsy in preparation for the family to be able to have service in honor of their loved one. I realize, like any other talent there are pathologist that do a better job than others. I realize the importance of choosing a credible talented pathologist to represent the office so that I can best represent the families in our county.
Concerning death investigations, I have spent hours with law enforcement investigators about the protocols of preserving or freezing a scene. Protective gear should be utilized especially in the cases of suspected foul play, homicide, or the potential spread of disease. I feel with my ability to fully manage all aspects of the office this needed improvement will be achieved
The greatest challenge facing the scope and duties of this office at this time is to rein in excessive billing to Vigo County. The Coroner is elected to manage all aspects of this office as I have mentioned above. In analyzing the account ledgers from the Vigo County Auditor’s office, which is public information, it has been discovered that Vigo County has paid for autopsies not performed and should not have been billed as well as transportation services not rendered. The way to address this problem is manage the office you were elected to. Make it clear to all personnel that things will be checked and this will not be tolerated. Honesty and integrity mean everything in this line of work.
Many changes are needed with the exception of one person. The secretary, Donna Weger has occupied her office for thirty six years. None of the information listed above is meant to be reflected on her. I have told her many times she should have ran for coroner. She handles all communications with the families affected, prepares death certificates and everything else that needs to be done. I would hope, if I’m elected she would be willing to continue as long she would want to.
Campaign Phone
(812)2895223
Education
Spelman College; Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine School; Loyola/Midwestern University Surgery program; St. Joseph's Laparoscopic Fellowship; eCornell
Occupational history and current position
Myers Surgical Associates Surgeon 9/21 - present; Regional Health Surgeon: 4/19 - 8/21; Board of Advisors, Wabash Valley Breast Cancer Survivors; National Board of Governor NBOME; Terre Haute Chamber Board Member, Minority Health Affair Board Member
Other public or political offices held, and when
Vigo County Coroner 1/1/21 to present
Other past candidacy for public office
n/a
As the current Vigo County Coroner, I bring a unique level of qualification and experience to the role. I am the sole candidate who holds a certification as a Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI). For the past 35 years, Vigo County has benefitted from having a physician Coroner, and for good reason. This approach has resulted in substantial savings totaling over $50,000 a year in autopsy fees alone. By using medical expertise to assess the need for an autopsy we're insuring both good efficiency and utilization of our county resources. Making sure accurate determination of the cause of death is occurring i.e., no one is getting away with murder.
As previously stated, I am the sole candidate with Medicolegal Death Certification (forensic training), setting me apart from the other candidates. While none of us are forensic pathologists responsible for autopsies, as the current Vigo County Coroner I am exposed to many autopsy procedures. This aids me in the determination of the cause and manner of death. Additionally, my early medical career included a month-long training in forensic practices at an Atlanta morgue further adding to my expertise in this area.
Our primary challenge lies in upholding the exceptional standards established by formal coroners Drs. Kohr and Amos, who sent the bar remarkably high. As the current Vigo county coroner, I have sustained these standards over the past three years by implanting office improvements. This including collaborating with other officials to secure approval for the new county morgue. Additionally, recognizing the surge in deaths related to mental health issues, I initiated efforts to provide support and information for those grieving the loss of a loved one. This proactive approach aims to prevent further tragedies in the future. I believe such initiatives may not have been considered by someone without medical expertise.
Following this successful acquisition of the new county morgue, our next significant operational step is transition to electronic records, which is already underway....
Regarding our team, I'm fortunate to lead a group of highly talented and respected individuals. Among the 92 counties, our office is distinguished for upholding the highest standards and earning widespread respect. Our team operates seamlessly and exemplifies the essence of effective teamwork. Our average, each team member has dedicated 16 years of service to the office, highlighting their commitment and expertise.
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