2017-12-19 Coroner UpdateCoroner Update
December 19, 2017
10:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Coroner Warren McLeod
Guests: Natalie Johnson, Sharyn Decker
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Coroner Warren McLeod gave the following updates:
Budget: The Coroner’s Office is coming in under budget for 2017. Four indigent cremations. Warren said
there is talk of federal funding for mandatory accreditation.
Statistics: 800 deaths year-to-date (compared to a total of 762 in 2016) – two homicides, 25 suicides, 18
accidentals, nine undetermined, 12 pending, 62 autopsies year-to-date.
Accreditation: The Coroner’s Office has received accreditation.
Pathologist contact: One pathologist has resigned, leaving one for 2018. The remaining pathologist will
arrange coverage during his absence. He also will retire at the end of 2018. Warren said he has
considered an interlocal agreement with Cowlitz County. Warren said he and two others will be learning
how to perform “external view” exams. Warren said the retiring pathologist may be willing to perform
consults.
Meeting ended at 10:21 a.m.