5- 060 Coroner 2022 Coroner Budget increase request support documentsCoroner's Office Comps
* =owlit Note: Has own Midicolegal Investigators and autopsy tech
** Grant Note: Has own CS a
ff
ob itle Deputy Coroner
Pay Grade: Casual Grid
FLS1 Non -Exempt
DEPUTY CORONER
JOB DESCRIPTION
ob Code• C0110C
Effective Date: January 2011
Revision Date: December 2017
NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision, performs through, systematic, and timely investigations to determine the cause and
manner of death in cases referred to the Coroner's office.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this
classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be
required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position -specific duties.
• Responds to the scene of death; secures or assists in securing the scene of death and protecting evidence;
ensures identification of the decedent and arranges for transport to the morgue.
Interviews individuals at the scene to obtain relevant information; reports any unusual or suspicious
circumstances to the appropriate law enforcement agency and provides appropriate information to their
personnel.
• Documents, impounds, examines and identifies all medications prior to proper disposition wthin a
controlled
manner.
• Governs custody ofthedemisedbodyandappendagesbyinauguratinglogisticalsupportwhilemaintaining
chain of evidence. If decedent cannot be positively identified, locates and secures such items as medical
and dental information to be used in the forensic process.
Provides support and explanations of procedures and findings to family members or others; makes
referrals to appropriate community agencies as warranted.
• Conducts follow-up investigations by searching records, personal effects, etc., and by interviewing
individuals who may have relevant information; maintains contact with law enforcement agencies as
required. Coordinates efforts with the police, courts, other County departments and agencies, as needed.
• Maintains and updates files and records related to investigations and enforcement activities; completes
required project documentation, daily logs and reports.
• Gathers, documents and maintains the chain of evidence; maintains accurate records and files. Prepares
written reports of findings and distributes to the proper authorities.
• Testifies in court regarding the content and validity of the findings.
• Photographs, receives, releases, and moves decedents; cleans autopsy suite.
Page 1 of 2
Job Title: Deputy Coroner
Job Code: CO110C
WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is performed in an office environment, and in internal and external environments with exposure to inclement
weather for extended periods of time; heavy physical demands with the ability to lift and maneuver 100lbs, and
frequent use of a personal computer.
EMPLOYMENTSTANDARDS:
High School diploma or GED equivalent, minimum of two (2) years' experience in conducting death investigations,
or performing direct patient care in an emergency medical setting, or completion of one year's full-time college
courses in criminal justice, forensics, anthropology, or a related field and one (1) year experience as defined above.
Must possess a valid Driver's License. Specific technical training and certifications maybe required. Must be 21
years of age or older.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of:
• County policies and procedures.
• Applicable Federal, state, and City codes, laws, statutes, and ordinances.
• Principles and practices of death investigations, and scene safety and security.
Techniques of investigating, inspecting, and securing a death scene.
• Principles of record keeping and records management
• Customer service and public relations methods and practices.
• Basic concepts/procedures related to the criminal justice system;
• Basic procedures and techniques of evidence preservation.
• Techniques and procedures for conducting medico legal and related criminal investigations.
• Procedures for death scene and evidence preservation and documentation.
Skills in:
Reading, understanding, interpreting and apply ng relevant County, State and Federal statutes, codes, rules,
and regulations.
• Maintaining accurate records.
• ftware.
Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized so
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Using tact and diplomacy when conducting an investigation.
Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Obtaining information through interview and investigation
applying and explaining federal, state and local laws related to the co
Interpretingnduct of investigations and
handling of property of decedents.
Page 2 of 2
Lewis County
2021
v Schedule General
Grnl de/3tw 7 2 3 4 5 6 Z S 9 10 II 72 13
i
104
$ ;1281 $ 13.13 $ 13.46 $ 13.80 $ 14.15 S 14,50 $ 1466 $ 15.23 $ 15.61 $ 16.00 $ 16,40 $ 16.91 $ 17.23
$ 2,220 $ 2 276 $ 2,333 ! $ 2,392 S 2.453 $ 2,513 $ 22576 $ 2,640 $ 2,706 $ 2,773 $ 2,843 $ 21914 $ 2,987
S26,6448 `527,310.4 '$27,996.8 S UJOCO S29A132.0 S30,160.0 S 30,908,8 4 31,678,4 iS 32,468.8 S33,280.0 � 534 112A ' S 39,964:8 $ 35838.4i
10517.90
S 13,28 $ 1361 $ 13,95 $ 14.30 S 14.66 $ 15.03 $ 1541 $ 15.80 $ 16.20 $ 16.61 $ 2,952 $ 3,026 $ 3,103
$ Z302 S 2,359 1 $ 2,418 $ 2,479 S 2,541 S 2,605 $ 21611 S 2,739 $ 2.508 $ 2,879 $ 2,952 $ 3,026 $ 3,103
S 271622 S 28,3.09 S 29,Of6"S 299744 S30;493 $ MAC $ %3053 S 32,864 :3 33,696 S 34,549 'S 4S,422 -t� 36,377
106
$ :13.79.; $ 14.13 $ 14.48 $ 14.84 $ 15,21 $ 15.59 $ 15.98 $ 16.38 S 16.79 $ 17.21 $ 17.64 $ 16.08 $ l8.S3
$ '2,390 '.. $ 2,19 S 2,110 S 2,572 $ 2,636 $ 2,702 $ 2,770 $ 2,839 $ 2,910 $ 2,983 S 3,058 $ 3,134 $ 3,212
S 28,683 S 29,390 3 30,t18- S 30,667 3 31,637 S 31,427 $ 33,236 S 34 M ' S 34,923 S t 35,797 S 36,691 E 37,606 $ 38,5421:
107
$ 14.30 $ 74.66 $ 15.03 $ 15.41 $ 15.80 $ 16.19 $ 16.59 $ 17.00 $ 17.43 $ 77.87 $ 18.32 $ 78.78 $ 79.35
$ 2,479 $ 2,541 $ 2,605 $ 2,671 $ 2,739 $ 2,806 $ 2,876 $ 24947 $ 3,021 S 3,097 S 3,175 S 3,255 $ 3,337
S 29,744 S 30,493 S 31,262: S 32,053 S 32,864 S 33,675 $ 34,S07 S 35,360 "S '36,254 S 37,110 3 38,f06 vS 39,062 S 41,040'
108
$ 14.85 $ 15.22 $ 15.60 $ 15.99 $ 16.39 $ 16.80 $ 17.22 $ 17.65 $ 18.09 $ 18.54 $ 19.00 $ 19.48 $ 19.97
S 2,574 $ 2,638 $ 2,704 $ 2,772 $ 2,841 S 2,912 $ 2,985 S 3,059 S 3,136 S 3,214 $ 3,293 $ 3,377 $ 3,461
S 30,888 S 31,658 S 31,448. S 33,259 S 34,091 S 34,944 S 35,818 S 36,112 $ 37,627 S 38,663 S 39,520 �S 40,618 r$' 4938.
109
$ 15.a1 $ 1$.80 S 16.20 $ 16.60 $ 17.02 $ 17.45 $ 17.69 $ 18.34 $ 18.80 $ 19.27 $ 19.75 $ 20.24 $ 20.75
$ 22671 $ 2,739 $ 2,808 $ 2,877 $ 2,950 $ 3,025 $ 3,101 $ 3,179 $ 3,259 $ 3,340 $ 3,423 $ 3,508 $ 3,597
$ 32,053 S 32864 S 33,696 S 34,528 S 35,402 S 363296 S 37,211 S 38,147 S 30,104 S 40,082 $. 41,080 `S 42,699 S 43,160.
110
$ 16.04 $ 16.44 $ IG.SS $ 17.27 $ 17.70 $ 18.14 $ I8.59 $ 19.05 $ 19.53 $ 20.02 $ 2052 $ 21.03 $ 21.56
S 2,780 $ 2,950 $ 2,921 $ 2,993 S 3,068 $ 3,144 $ 3,222 S 3,302 $ 3,385 $ 39470 $ 3,557 S 31645 $ 3,737
S 33,363 S 34,195 S 35,045 S 359922 S 36,816 S 37,731 S 38,667 S 39,624. S 40,622 $ 41,642 S 42,682 S 43,142 $ 4845'
$ 16.66 $ 17.08 $ 17.51 $ 17.95 $ 16.40 $ 18.86 $ 19.33 $ 19.81 $ 20.31 $ 20.82 $ 21.34 $ 21.57 $ 22.42
$ 2,888 $ 2,961 $ 3,035 $ 3, 111 $ 3,189 $ 31269 $ 3,351 $ 3,434 $ 31520 $ 3,609 $ 3,699 $ 3,791 $ 34686
$ 34,653 $ 35;526 S 36,421 S 37,336 S 38272 S 39,229 S 409206 S 41,205 S '42,245 S 43,306 S 44,387 S 46,490 S 46,634
112
$ 17.34 $ 17.77 $ 18.21 $ 15.67 $ 19.14 $ 19.62 $ 20.11 $ 20.67 $ 21.13 $ 21.66 S 32.20 $ 22.76 $ 23.33
S 3,006 $ 3,080 $ 3,156 $ 3,236 $ 3,318 $ 3,401 $ 3,486 S 39572 $ 3,663 $ 3,754 $ 31848 $ 3,945 $ 4,044
$ 369067 S 36,962 $ 37,877 S 38,834 :$ 39,811 S 40,810 S 41;829 S 42,860 S 431950 S 45,053 S 46,176 S 41%341 ' S 48,526':
113
$ 18.06 $ 78.51 $ 15.97 $ 19.44 $ 19.93 $ 20.43 $ 20.94 $ 21.46 $ 22.00 $ 22.55 $ 23.11 $ 23.69 $ 24.28
$ 3,130 $ 3,208 $ 3,288 $ 3,370 $ 3,455 $ 3,541 $ 3,630 $ 3,720 $ 3,513 $ 3,909 $ 4,006 $ 41106 $ 42209
$ 377565 $ 38,501 S 399458 $ 4%435 $ 41,454 S 42,494 S 43,555 S 442631 S 45,760 S 46,904 ' S � 48,069 S 49,215 S 50,502::.
114
$ 18.81 $ 19.28 $ 1936 $ 20.25 $ 20.76 $ 21.28 $ 21.81 $ 22.36 $ 22.92 $ 23.49 $ 24.08 $ 24.65 $ 25.30
$ 3,260 $ 32342 $ 3,425 S 3,510 $ 3,598 $ 3,689 $ 3,780 $ 3,876 $ 3,973 $ 4,072 S 4,174 S 4,278 $ 4,385
$ 39,125 $ 40i102 $ 419161 S 42,126 5 43,181 S 44,262 S 45;365 S 46,509. S 47,674 S 48,850� $ 50,096 S 511334 S 52,624'
115
$ 19.61 $ 20.10 $ 20.60 $ 2111 $ 21.64 $ 22.18 $ 22.73 S 33.30 $ 2388 $ 2448 $ 2509 $ 25.72 $ 2636
$ 3,659 $ 751 $ 3,845 $ 3,940 $ 4,039 $ 4,139 $ 4,243 $ 4,349 S 4458 $ 4,569
$ 3,399 $ 32454 $ ,
$ i40,789 S 414848 ' S ,848 S 43,909 -`s 45,011 S� 46,134 $ 47$78 S 4%464 'S 49,670 $ 50,915 S 52,187 S 53,498 S Sd,829.
42
116
$ 20.44 $ 20.95 $ 21.47 $ 22.01 $ 22.56 $ 23.12 $ 23.70 $ 24.29 S 24.90 $ 25.52 $ 26.16 $ 26.81 $ 27.48
$ 3,543 $ 3,631 $ 3,721 $ 3,515 $ 3,910 $ 4,007 $ 4,I08 S 4,210 $ 4,316 $ 4,423 $ 4,534 $ 047 $ 4,763
$ �42,515 S $" 46,58 $ 459781 S 46,925" S 4096 S 490,6 S 50,523 E "51,792 ` 53,682 '$ 54,413 S 5,5;765 $ 57,1 8.
117
$ 21.32 $ 21.65 $ 22.40 $ 22.96 $ 23.53 $ 24.72 $ 24.72 $ 25.34 $ 25.97 $ 26.62 $ 2129 $ 2797 $ 28.67
S 3,695 $ 3,787 $ 303 $ 3,980 S 41079 $ 4 l81 $ 4,285 $ 4,392 S 42501 $ 014 $ 4,730 $ 4P8 $ 4,969
;d4,346 $ 45�448 6 4§;5'�2 S'47,757 S 48$42 $ 50,170 S 51$18 �S 522Q/. $ 54,015 `$'55,370 S` 56,'f63-'S'S6iS 59,639.
118
$ 22.25 $ 23.81 $ 23.38 $ 23.96 $ 24.56 $ 25.17 $ 35.80 $ 26.45 $ 27.t I $ 27.79 S 28.48 $ 29.19 $ 29.92
$ 3 857 $ 3,954 S 4,053 $ 4,153 $ 4,257 S 4,363 $ 4,472 $ 4,585 $ 4,699 $ 4,917 $ 4 937 $ 5,060 $ 5,186
$ i46¢89- 5 '4�,445 S 48,630 -$ 49,837 S 51,085 `' S'52,354' S%, 53�664 `S 55,616 $ 54,389 5 67,803 S 'S9,438 "S �60 15 ,S b204
119
� $ 23.23 $ 23.81 $ 24.41 $ 25.02 $ 25.65 $ 26.29 $ 26.95 $ 27.62 $ 28.31 $ 39.02 $ 29.75 $ 30.49 $ 3125
$ 41027 S 4727 $ 44231 $ 4,337 $ 41446 $ 4557 $ 4,671 $ 4,787 $ 41907 $ 5030 $ 5,157 $ 5,28S S 51417
S';48,318 $ %9 525 S , 50,77$ 3 52,042 z3' S3,352 $ --64,683E ;056 S 57,450 = $ 58,885 S 'i60,362 S61,080 . S `$3;d19 S :65,00'0
120 26.79 S MaslePsafary 9U$ dui
28
�n Smi�a.27 24.88 $ 25.50 26.14 $ $ $ .SS $ 29.57 $ 30.31 $ 31.07 $ 31.85 $ 32.G5
Lewis County Coroner's Office
IAC&ME Accredited
Coroner Warren McLeod, MA, D-ABMDI
Office Location: 585 Center St. Cliehatis, WA 98532
Mailing: 360 NW North St. NIS: CORGI Chehalis, WA 98532
(360)740-1376
Fax(360) 740-1436
T0: Lewis County BOCC
FROM: Warren McLeod, Lewis County Coroner
DATE: 11/09/20
RE: Request for FTEs
This packet is being submitted per the e-mail request of November 5, 2020 requesting the
following data,
A etulent schedile compared to what it would look Like with 5 FTEs
Average week of calls/hours for on call compared to the proposed FTEs
Extra help budget reduction with a scenario of FTEs
As I have stated several times prior the request for changing the status of the current coroner
staff from casual/extra hell) to full time is not going to be shown bathe data in this�acket to be a
cost saving measure or even a
f
inancial outlay for the county.
even outcome. The status change to FTEs will be a large
The reason for the request for FTEs is to have the county recognize that the current employees
have received highly specialized training and perform difficult work under often times hazardous
environments. The staff have all been here a long time doing what the county defines as causal -
working intermittently as needed.
When
I talk with the staff and point out any one of them could take their training, certification
and experience and start work ng in Pierce, Thurston or Cowlitz counties at a rate of $25-30 per
horn' with benefits to a person they responded that they do not want to work in other counties.
Lewis County is where they live and they give back to the community by doing this work right
here.
It is time for the county to show these county employees that they value the work they do by
creating FTEs with pay commensurate with the work and benefits. It is not fair to continue to
treat dedicated, professional county employees in this manner.
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Average week of calls/on call (stand by) pay:
NI-F: 3 8 hours shifts per day.
$25 on call pay for the graveyard shift=$125
$47 on call pay for day/swing=$470
On call pay: $125+$470=595 per week x 52 weeks=$30, 940
Sat/Sun: 2 12 hour shifts each day/1 24 hoot• on call supervisor shift per day
$50 on call pay for each 12 hour shift-$50 x 4 shifts=$200
$50 supervisor on call pay for each 24 day-$50 x days=$100
On call supervisor pay per week $100 + $200=$300 per week x 52 weeks=$15, 600
Total on call deputy and supervisor pay: $30, 940+$15, 600=$46, 540 annually.
Average weekly calls:
7 calls per week with average call taldng 5 hours:
7 x 5 x $15.50=$542.50
Autopsies: Average 3 per week
3 x 5 hours x 2 staff x $15.50=$465
Call back pay: When off duty employees are called in to assist with simultaneous
calls/autopsy/admin (2 hour minimum pay): Average 4 times per week:
4 x 2 hours minimum x $15.5MI24
$542.50 + 465.00 +$124=$1131.50 x 52 weeks=$58, 812.
On call pay and hourly pay-$46, 540 + $58, 8I2=$105, 352
Some of this cost if offset by the fact the on call pay does not get paid if the deputy responds to a
call. They only get their hourly rate.
Extra help budget reduction with ;FTEs
Option 1: 5 FTEs= 200 hours per week.
This would allow for overlapping shifts to reduce overtime caused by calls running over shift
Extra help: Used to cover vacations/sick clays/weekend on call supervisor
80 hours vacation per year x 5 FTEs= 400 hours x $15.50=$6, 200
4 sick days per year x 5 FTEs=160 hours x $15.50=$480
Weekend on call supervisor: $50 per 24 hour shift x 2 shifts x 52 weeks=$5200
Total: $I t, 880
Option 2: 4 FTEs=160 hours per week
This leaves 8 hours per week of shifts to be covered
8 hours per week x $15.50 x 52 weeks= $6448
80 hours vacation per year x 4 FTEs=320 hours x $15.50=$4960
4 sick days per year (32 hours) x 4 FTE x $15.50=1984
Weekend on call supervisor: $5200
Total:$6448+4960+1984+5200=$18592
Option 3: 3 FTEs=120 hours per week
This leaves 48 hours per week of shifts to be covered
48 hours x $15.50 x 52 weeks=$38, 688
80 hours vacation per year x 3 FTEs— 240 hours x $15.50=$3720
32 hours sick time per year x 3 FTEs x $15.50=$1488
Weekend on call supervisor: $5200
Total: $38 688 + $3720 + $1488 + 5200=$49096
Option 4: 2 FTEs=80 hours per week
This leaves 88 hours per week of shifts to be covered
88 x $15.50 x 52 weeks=$70, 928
80 hours vacation per year x 2 FTEs=160 hours x $15.50=$2480
32 hours sick time per year (4 days) x 2 FTEs x $15.50=$992
Weekend on call supervisor: $5200
Total-$70-925+ $2480 + $992"+ $5200=$79-600
Our current Extra Help budget is $54, 000 but with the call load we handle there is an
amendment each year f om between $15, 000 and $25, 000.
Lewis County Coroner's \Office request to increase Causa Help pay from $15.00 to
$21.34
Figures provided by LC Budget Director:
2021
1728 X 15.50 = 26,784 for extra help — Estimate for 2021 w/ben $31,992
On call is averaging $1,300 a month — Estimate for 2021 is $15,600
Total Estimate based on current actuals $47,592
2021 with Increase
1728 X 21.32 = $36,840 for extra help — Estimate for 2021 w/ben $44,004
On call Estimate (from above) — $15,600
Total estimate 59,604
Current amount in Extra Help budget line item: $39, 954.
With increase in hourly rate $59604
Current amount - 39954
Additional needed: $19650
Budget— review budget increase requests
November 9, 2020
3:30 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, CommissionerJackson, County Manager Eril<
Martin, Becky Butler, Daleyn Coleman, Jonathan Meyer, Warren McLeod, Dianne Dorey, Jake Coppock,
Dawn Harris, Katie Conradl, Sandra Peck, Stephen Wilson, Chelsie Wilson, Flonna Velaquez, Andy
Caldwell
Guests: Claudia Yaw, Commissioner -elect Dr. Lindsey Pollock, Commissioner -elect Sean Swope; Citizens
Budget Committee members Paul Crowner, Bill Serrano and Frank Corbin
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Becky Butler noted that the commissioners had requested that the $100,000 forthe Lewis County
Seniors be Included in the preliminary budget. She also noted that the commissioners also approved
increases for electeds' salaries but had not yet approved additional funding to cover the increases.
Becky provided an overview of the 10 increase requests,
Warren McLeod reviewed staffing schedules, call logs, call-bacl<pay, extra help budgets, etc„ related to
hIs request for a Coroner's Office increase. Warren noted that staff members perform highly skilled,
sometimes dangerous work and that the pay is close to minimum wage. Daleyn Coleman said HR
recelved the documents for review earlier in the day.
Indigent Defense -Superior Court: $174,750 for attorneys' contracts
Increase per -unit pay to $1,000.
CommissionerStamper, Commissioner Fund and Commissioner Jackson approved increasing the per -
unit payment to $1,000,
Superior Court: $122,000 for operations
Costs in Superior Court Indigent Defense covers professional services for Criminal I Family Law and
Guardianships.
Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund and Commissioner Jackson approved the request.
Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund and Commissioner Jackson approved the Increase.
Emergency Management: $100,000 for operations
The 2021 DEM budget increase will primarily be used to fund the FTE Coordinator position. Law changes
in 2017 have mandatory requirements for DEM to meet by 2022, including participation in the 2022
statewide Cascadia Earthquake Exercise. Staffing levels must be increased in orderto meet the program
requirements by 2022 or Lewis County may not be In compliance with Federal laws.
Andy Caldwell said Emergency Management needs additional help to stay caught up with state and
federal mandates.
Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund and Commissioner lackson approved the increase.
Coroner: $357,613 for salaries / benefits for rive new positions (two Senior Deputy Coroners and three
Deputy Coroners)
Warren said he'd like five deputy coroners. Becky noted that the Coroner would save roughly $50,000 in
casual help with the addition of five FTEs. She said five FTEs would be a net increase of roughly $300,000
to the budget.
Jonathan Meyer said the PA's Office would commit some funds to help cover costs associated with
controlled substance deaths, which account for roughly 10 percent of the Coroner's Office cases.
Commissioner Stamper suggested approving 1.5 new positions, with a review mid -year.
Warren said the deputy coroners pay for their five-year certification ($500) and uniforms out of pocket.
Commissioner Stamper suggested approving 1,5 new FTE positions, with a review mid-yearthat could
lead to the increase to two FTEs.
CommfssionerStamper asked for documentation regarding certification costs.
CommisslonerStamper suggested having the county pay for the certification. Daleyn Coleman noted
that reimbursement for the training already is a county policy.
JaII: $22,857 for medical contract costs
The costs for NaphCare services increase each year.
Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund and CommissionerJaci<sonopproved the increase.
Coronavirus Relief Funds
Becky said the county still is looking at a Nov. 30 deadline, while Public Health &Social Services is still
looking at a Dec. 30 deadline. . .
Becky said Breeze was unable to complete Its project and Is turning back $100,000, She discussed
possible ways In which to reallocate those funds before the deadline, Including holding onto the funding
to cover COVIDA9 response, noting that Commerce has Indicated that public safety salaries are eligible
for CRF allocations.
Meeting adjourned at 5 p.m.
Dalevn Coleman
From: Warren McLeod
Sent: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 1:13 PM
To: Daleyn Coleman; Dawn Harris; Steve Walton
Subject: Staffing
Hey all,
I just wanted to outline for Daleyn the staffing consideration for when she is looking at our options.
Right now M-F 8a-4pm is covered by an on call deputy who gets paid $25 on call pay for the shift. In many cases the
deputies are coming in and covering the office (answering phones, etc.). Is this the same as their volunteering to do
what they get paid to do? For example $25 is only for their on call time so any hours put in at the office would be
considered volunteer correct? I think we need to stop this practice by the deputies.
With that in mind and stopping that practice of day shift folks covering the office with no hourly pay would mean we are
not able to function even at bare minimum. What happens during day shift is the phone rings constantly, there are faxed
forms for deaths that had occurred in facilities (not requiring a scene response) that then have to be entered into the
system, assigned case numbers, etc. There is also the releasing of decedent's that occur during day shift. Dawn is here
M-Thursday 9-5 but she has admin duties that only she can do and if she gets pulled off those duties to do the daily_
activities described above the admin goes by the wayside.
We could pay deputies 3 hours per day for day shift and have them cover the office for three hours but that would
increase our extra help budget costs and would also affect the actual hours worked factor we talked about today.
For consideration:
Two full time deputies 1 for day shift M-F & 1 for Swing shift M-F would alleviate those issues and increase the efficiency
of the office as the swing shift deputy would be paid to be in the office on duty for the 4-12 shift rather than at home on
call like they are now.
The remaining shifts: 12-8a M-F and Sat/Sun (24 hour shifts) would be covered by extra help/casual and myself/Dawn.
For vacations or sick time Dawn and I could then jump in to cover shifts for the full timers.
I am just offering the scenario without budgetary considerations but from the standpoint of what is needed to
effectively run the office with staff.
Starting in June and for the rest of the year we are eliminating the paid on call supervisor for the weekends (Dawn and I
will cover those) thus resulting in a $2800 savings for the remainder of the year (almost an entire month's payroll) and
with me covering 6- 24 shifts per month that would decrease our extra help budget by $3150 for the rest of the year.
In subsequent years it would be a savings of $5400 for me covering the 24 hour shifts and $5200 for the on call weekend
supervisors. ($10, 600). This would be a great savings but it results in Dawn and I working 7 days a week (as on call
supervisor) and me working 144 hours additional to my time in the office.
Saving money is wonderful but when you look at the time it requires us to put in it does not seem worth it or fair.
I just wanted to give you more facts/figures to cloud your brain as you look at the staffing issues ha ha. Please let me
know if you have any questions or comments.
Warren McLeod, MA, D-ABMDI
Lewis County Coroner
360-740-1376
ma
V!'ashington Association
of Coroners & Medical Examiners
wwevsvaPill e.oPOP
www.theiacme.com
CerEliaed by:
American Board
of Modkolegal
Death invesdga}ors'"
www.abmdi.org
From: Bobby Jackson
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2020 10:42 AM
To: Steve Walton; Daleyn Coleman
Subject: Fwd: Letter regarding casual help
FYI...just passing it along.
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Jason Baler <jason.baker@lewiscountywa.gov>
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2020 11:55 PM
To: Bobby Jackson
Subject: Letter regarding casual help
Dear Bobby,
Regarding the designation 'Extra Help' for the staff of the Coroner's office. Much has been made of the topic in the office
as it pertains to the job and functionality of our office. It seems in my view that the title classification should have been
retired in the few years after it was requested, by the then coroner in the 1950's. The reason I say this is it denoted that
the position was short term, temporary, and not professional. All of us who have worked or are working in this office are
professional, as we are held to professional standards by internationally recognized agencies, that this office holds
accreditations with, showing that we meet the professional standards set forth to hold accreditation with those
agencies.
We are classified by the county as casual help, yet we are deputy coroners providing medicolegal death investigations.
We have been trained as such, with some of us accredited; most have extra schooling and training as our duties
necessitate such. When we are working cases with law enforcement they defer to us as the experts: they wait for us to
arrive so we can provide our professional expertise in medicolegal death investigation. They often ask us for a
professional opinion as to what we think may have happened; more than a few of the officers we work with have had
some training through our office. Yet we are given such a generic non-specific title, one would think anyone could do the
job... When people acknowledge what it is we do generally we get a response of "I couldn't do yourjob," "it must be
difficult at times," or "how do you do your job." Which denotes some emotional understanding of the job we perform to
the general public, not necessarily the technical and professional nature of the careers we have chosen to embark on. It
is ridiculous to assume that there is a true understanding of how and what we do based on the emotional response we
get from people in the line of duty and performing said 'casual' work.
There are several of us in the office that have more than one job, just so we can try and make ends meet. Most of the
time they don't. There is a disparity of the job that needs to be done, the staffing for the minimal amount to do said job,
as well as the compensation thereof. I personally have this job, a job at a local parts house, and a business to run. I want
to do this job more than the second; I would rather not have two jobs. The economics of the job necessitate having the
other, and the business is supposed to be my hobby that pays for itself. That is not the case, however. I am sometimes
using the business to help make those pesky ends meet. I had been doing pretty good, I thought. Then COVID -19 came
and I have lost a lot of my business for this year and I had just bought new equipment to augment existing. That has
seen me in debt for the first time in years.
It wouldn't be too bad if I had one job, but bouncing from one of the three can be taxing enough. So much so it effects
my physical health, to the point where it can take me days to recover from several shifts of the jobs in a row. I have
empirical data to this point as I have been tracking my physical fitness with an activity watch. It shows how much rest,
sleep, stress, etc., I undergo on a daily basis. I have been using it to help me be healthier where I can, but I am finding
that the job(s) require much more recovery time than anticipated. This means I need to rest much more, where I
can. The deficit the job(s) put mein is difficult, as it is having a negative impact on me. It is costing my health to make
ends meet with three jobs and no real benefits from any, especially the one I value the most, working as a deputy
coroner.
While on the subject for deficits, bouncing between three jobs is not my idea of employment satisfaction by any means.
It's a battle of run here for so many hours, be on call for this many hours and maybe get a call or five, or work with a
client hoping I still have enough energy to finish processing their pictures so as to deliver the product in a reasonable
time. It's not enough to have time to do any of the work. Time is the most important and valuable to myself and the
others who are classified as 'casual help'. Come to find out when I started at the office I interviewed for a job at
McDonalds, they paid more and had more benefits to start than as a deputy coroner in Lewis County... I was floored. Are
we not worth our time at a decent wage that affords us time to do a job that requires dedication and attention to detail,
working with families in some of the worst times of their lives, treating them and the deceased with the dignity and
respect that they deserve. Do we as employees of the County deserve the same, so that we can do this difficult and
emotional task that most of us want to do, as we are not in it for the money or the glory? We all want to be adequately
compensated for the time and giving up said time to perform said duties. All of what we do is essential, from working a
case in the field, working an autopsy, processing hospice paperwork and death certificates, down to just answering
phones. That requires staff and the ability to work full time; if we stopped working death care in Lewis County would
stop: no processing of cases, hospice, autopsies, death certificates, or anything of the like. Funeral homes would not be
able to move forward with cremations or burials without the proper permit that comes from the processing of death
certificates. As it stands now we do not have FTE or even PTE to cover the needed tasking in the office, let alone all of
the case work that is done on a yearly basis. A survey was done as to what typical salary requirements were in the field
that we have chosen to work, and it turns out were are undervalued by 23%! We have had colleagues and friends move
on to other jobs as they have families to provide for and bills to pay; some have even moved to doing the same job in
other counties that have value added benefits for the time we put in, mental and physical health as well.
It is not just one thing: a title, money, benefits. We are a largely forgotten office that is still dealt with like it was 68 yearn
ago, as it appears to function to the outside observer. But this is not the case.
Warm regards,
Jason Baler
Deputy Coroner
Lewis County
360-740-1376
From: Warren McLeod
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 1:05 PM
To: Bobby Jackson; Edna Fund; Gary Stamper; Erik Martin; Becky Butler; Daleyn Coleman;
Dawn Harris
Subject: Follow up
Hello BOCC,
This is a follow up for our conversation during my update last Tuesday. As I said when looking at comparative counties
we need to look at the call volumes and notjust the population size. As I pointed out Grant County is larger than we are
and they handle it with 3 full time staff with one of the being on call 24 hours per day for a week at a time. When we
asked how they could do this they reported they do 6 cases a month.
Per our conversation I indicated we can do more than that in a short period of time. Between Friday and today we have
handled 13 cases, 8 of which required a deputy coroner to respond to the scene to a comprehensive death investigation.
3 out of the 13 require autopsies.
When the last decedent was brought in this morning we had no storage space left in our cooler at all. The day shift
deputy was called in 2 hours early this morning to help with the phone calls that accompany a busy weekend. She then
responded to a call in a remote location. Another deputy was brought it to assist with the phones and releasing of
decedents where arrangements had been made with a mortuary. Another deputy was called in to process the forensic
aspect of the cases. This means we are operating at almost "all hands" today.
+I just wanted to illustrate what I meant when I said looking at the number of cases handled is an important part of
comparing county coroners. The budgetary impact of all this will be forthcoming with my monthly budget impact report.
Thanks all.
Warren McLeod, MA, D-ABMDI
Lewis County Coroner
360-740-1376
4V.A,C.NiT.E.
SY
Washington Association
®f Coroners &Medical Examiners
www.theiacme.com
Certified by:
;j American Board
of Modicoloea)
Death Investtgators`
www.abmdLor6
This email and any attachments may be confidential. If so, and you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or
use of this email or any attachment is prohibited.
If you have received this email in error, please notify us immediately by returning it to the sender and deleting this copy from your system. Thank you for
your cooperation.
IMFLrn Coleman
From: Warren McLeod
Sent: Wednesday, January 8, 2020 5:36 PM
To: Daleyn Coleman
Subject: Deputy training
Attachments: Training modules-outline.docx
Here is the training academy materials for training deputies:
80 hours total
40 classroom
20 office
12 Field Training
4 ride along with law enforcement
2 observing dispatch
The additional certification from the American Board of Medicolegeal Death Investigators consists of 620 hours of death
investigation required before applying/$50 app fee./ Being signed off on 300 skills/knowledge areas by a certified
ABMDI person/once that is submitted the written exam is scheduled at $450 (online at a proctored site). The written
exam is 4 hours and you must pass with 80% or better.
The ABMDI Certification is nationwide and means that you are certified to conduct death investigations following
established standards. To keep the certification you must get 45 hours of CE in five years.
Our office accreditation through the IACME requires at least the Coroner/ Chief to be ABMDI certified and at least %: half
of staff. We are. I used to require the certification within 1 year but since there is no money in our budget for this I
cannot demand people pay $500 for the certification when it gets them $1 more per hour (w000).
The state Coroner Association last legislative session passed a bill that raised the fees on certificates collected that will
go towards a WA State Coroner/ME training academy. This legislative session our priority bill is to mandate that all
offices and personnel go through the training and be certified.
The grant we have applied for every year since 2011 and have received every year but one is now requiring the office to
IACME accredited to even apply for a grant.
I hope this info helps and I will see you tomorrow (or today when you read this at 1000).
Warren McLeod, MA, D-ABMDI
Lewis County Coroner
360-740-1376
LV.A.C.IVI.E.
Washington Association
Of Coroners 6z Medical �saminers
vvvnv.wacme.oi,g
Accredited by:
nww.theiacme,com
Certified Uy:
. .
American Board
of Medkolegal
Death Investigators"
ivrvwm .abdi.org
Training modules: 71 hours
Reserve Deputy Coroner Training
Phase I. 31 Hour Medicolegal Death Investigation Course
(T) 06/09/15:
Module I: 1800-2000: Introduction (Warren & Dawn)
-Introductions
-Tour of facility
-Mission/visions
-Organizational chart
-Jurisdiction
-Purpose and scope
-Cause and manner
-Policy and Procedure flash drive
-MFI Plan
-IACME/ABMDI
Module II: 1800-1900: Public safety agencies (Marc &Dawn)
EMS
-Fire districts
-LE agencies
-Roles/interactions of all agencies
-911 calls
Module III: 1900-2000: Bloodborne pathogens (Marc &Dawn)
-Blood borne pathogens
-PPE
Wrap up and final exam overview
(S) 06/13/15:
Module IV: 1000-1200: Anatomy and Physiology I (Dawn &Warren)
A&P
Cause and manner
Module V: 1200-1Ann : Anatomy and Physiology II (Dawn)
Aar
Post mortem changes
Module VI: 1800-1900: Preparing to respond (Warren)
Rotating mortuaries
Investigative tools and equipment
Vehicle/MFI trailer
Radio procedures
LCCO forms
Checklist
Case #
-Contacting LE
Module VII: 1900-2000: Arriving at the scene (Warren & Marc)
-Introduce self/identify roles
-LE briefing
-Exercise scene safety/security
-Conduct scene walk through
-Follow laws (related to the collection of evidence -search and seizure)
-Interview families/witnesses
(TH) 06/18/15:
Module VIII: 18004900: Documenting and evaluating the scene (Warren & Jess)
Photographs
Develop descriptive documentation
Sketches
Establish probable location of injury/illness
Module IX: 1900-2000: Documenting and evaluating the decedent (Jess &Marc)
Photographs
Head to toe exam/diagrams
Preserve evidence (on the decedent)
Establish decedent ID
Document post mortem changes/injuries
Participate in scene debriefing
Ensure security/dignity of the decedent
(S) 06/20/15:
Module X: 10004200: Establishing and recording decedent profile information (Warren &
Sarah)
-Document discovery history
-Determine terminal episode history
-Document decedent medical history
-Document decedent mental health history
-Document social history
Module XI: 1200-1400: Completing the scene investigation (Dawn &Jess)
A. Maintain chain of custody
-decedent
-property
medications
B. Assist family
C. Perform exit procedures
(T) 06/23/15:
Module XII: 1800-2000: Back at LCCO (Warren &Dawn)
-Toxicology
-Fingerprints
-Secondary exam
-Chain of custody lockers
-White boards
Paperwork/files
Medical records
(TH) 06/25/15:
Module XIII: 1800-2000: Report writing: (Dawn & Jess)
-Spillman (general)
-Reports/content
(S) 06/27/15:
Module XIV: 1000-1200: Case Types I (Warren & Dawn)
-NJA/Hospice/Pre-registration
Naturals
Motor vehicle collisions
Drug related
Module XV: 1200-1400: Next of Kin (Marc & )
Progression
Locating/notifying
Conducting Follow-up
LC Chaplaincy
(T) 06/30/15:
Module XVI: 18004900: Case Types II (Warren & Jess)
-Homicide/suspicious
-Suicide
-In custody
-SLID
Module XVII: 1900-2000: Cultural considerations (Jess &Sarah)
-Religious traditions
-Cultural traditions
-Decedent dignity
(TH) 07/02/15:
Module XVIII: 1800-1900: Interviewing skills (Warren &Dawn)
Module IXX: 1900:2000: Courtroom procedures (Warren)
Subpoenas
Professional dress/demeanor
Testifying in court
(S) 07/04/I5: No class!
(T) 07/07/15:
Module XX: 1800-1900: Mental health issues (Sarah &Jess)
Mental illness
LC Specifics
Suicide threats
Critical Incident Stress Management
(TH) 07/09/15:
Lewis County Coroner's Office
IAC&MC Accredited
Coroner Warren McLeod, MA, D-ABMDI
Office Location: 585 Center St. Chehalis, WA 98532
Mailing: 360 NW North St. MS: COROl Chehalis, WA 98532
(360)740-1376
Pax(360)740-1436
2021 BUDGET L1MIT.ATION EX1'ENDITUIZE INCREASE REQUEST
The Lewis County Coroner has submitted to the Lewis County Bomd of County Commissioners
(BOCC) a request for a budget increase for 2021 in the amount of $375. 000 to change the status
of current Deputy Coroners from causal help to Full Time Employees (FTEs).
On March 11, 1967 The Coroner's Office appointed its first Deputy Coroner and this was a non -
paid volunteer position because the Coroner budget did not provide payment for a Deputy so the
position would either be "without pay or the Coroner would personally pay him". The rationale
behind this was to assist the Coroner with the duties of the office.
53 years later the position of Deputy Coroner is classified as "casual help" which, by the County
Employee Handbook, is defined as "an employee hired to work intermittently or as needed". The
maximum pay is $15,50 per hour, There are currently seven Deputy Coroners who cover 168 hours
of on call hours per week, 24 hours per day. These folks are committed to malting a difference in
-_..---_.___theh-eoinmunity-by-perfotYning-this-emotionally-and-physically.dif-fieult work —They -are -far -from
working intermittently or as needed as they have been doing the work for many years as outlined
below:
9 years (1)
7 years (1)
6 years (1)
2.5 years (1)
2 years (2)
The role of the Deputy Coroner is to conduct medicolegal death investigations, which is both
medical and legal in nature. These investigations include:
• Responding to scenes (residences, freeways, wooded areas, on surfaces of bodies of water)
• Interviewing first responders and family/friends to obtain facts
• Documenting the scene with photos/sketches/notes
• Conducting complete head to toe physical examinations of decedents
• Documenting the decedent with photos/diagrams
• Providing families with all necessary information regarding their next step
Arranging/supervising transport of the decedent to the appropriate facility
At the LOCO:
• Drawing biological samples (toxicology/Covid-19)
• Fingerprinting the decedent
• Appropriately storing the decedent
• Locating and notifying the legal next of kin (sometimes involving many hours/days to find
next of kin)
• Working to get the decedent positively identified (viewing/fingerprints/dentals/DNA)
• Ordering medical records/speaking with physicians
• Completing a comprehensive investigative report
Candidates for Deputy Coroner must have a minimum of two years conducting death
investigations or have two years' experience as a Reserve Deputy Coroner (our volunteer
program),
Once hired they undergo an 80 hour training program that includes classroom, ride along with law
enforcement, observation with Central Dispatch, office hours and field training with a Field
Training Officer (FTO).
Deputy Coroners are must have or be able to obtain national certification through the American
Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (Ani DI). This requires 640 hours of death
investigation just to apply for the process. They must demonstrate competency/knowledge of 300
hands on skills and pass a four hour examination. Out of the 7 `casual' Deputies 3 hold this
so many of the staff have paid for this themselves,
The office provides one set of the required uniforms a year for staff so many end up buying their
own. They use their own cell phones (get a $SO per month stipend as part of their regular taxable
pay).
Deputy Coroner are scheduled to work 8 hours shifts (M-F) and 24 hour shifts on the weekends,
They are given anon call stipend of $25 for 8 hours and $50 fora 24 hour shift. If they get called
out they are paid an hourly rate that ranges from $13.50-$15.50 per hour and no benefits at all.
This is the "casual employee" pay rate that applies to employees who have no experience or
specialized training.
I have submitted this budget limitation expenditure request because it is time the County
recognized these Deputy Coroners as professionals who possess a unique set of training and skills
doing a job that not many people would want to and certainly would not be able to do.
Expecting people to meet established standards also requires that they are compensated at a rate
that is commensurate with what training they have received and the very nature of the job they do.
The staff has demonstrated their willingness to serve the community and be an integral pail of the
investigative process with all first responders, law enforcement agencies and the Prosecutor's
Office.
The International Association of Coroners/Medical Examiners (LAC&ME), in our last
accreditation audit, recommended that staff be fall time so as to increase the level of existing
professionalism and standards.
With the exponential increase in drug overdoses our office has been working closely with law
enforcement agencies at the local and federal level as well as the Prosecutor's Office in obtaining
data and evidence that can be used to prosecute the dealers who are providing the drugs that are
killing so many people.
This request is supported by:
Lewis County Sheriff's Office
Lewis County Prosecutor's Office
Lewis County Fire Chiefs Association
Centralia Police (JNET)
Chehalis Police
Napavine Police
Toledo Police
Winlock Police
Morton/Mossyroek Police
Dr. Eramanuel Lacsina M.D., Forensic Pathologist
Dr. Stanley Adams, M.D., Forensic Pathologist
I urge the BOCC to approve this request so that the county can continue to benefit from the
experience, training and dedication of these fine employees.
1!V
Warren McLeod, MA, D-ABMDI
Lewis County Coroner
Robert R. Snaza
Sheriff .
October 22 2020
345 W. Main Street
Chehalls, WA 98532-1900
Phone: (360) 748•9286 • Fax: (360) 740.1476 TDD: (360) 740.1480
www.lewlscountywa.govisheriff
Lewis County Board of County Commissioners
Attn: Gary Stamper, Chairman
RE: Letter of Support —Coroner's Office
Wes M. Rethwilt
Undersheriff
Dustin O. Breen
Field Operations Chief
Chris J. Sweet
Corrections Chief
KevJn M. Engelbertson
Special Services Chief
Commissioners:
This letter is in support of Lewis County Coroner Warren McLeod's request for an
increase in full-time staff, along with an increase in their base pay.
As you are all aware, over the last several years the Coroner's Office has generally
been operated by the elected coroner and one full-time staff member. The Coroner's
Office functions 24/7 year around with part-time deputy coroners assisting in responding
to all'death cases in Lewis County.
Since taking office, I can personally testify the Coroner's Office staff is stretched thin.
Often times you will see Coroner McLeod responding himself to many of the death
investigations, simply because he has no one else to respond. With the current increase
in death investigations we have seen over the last few years, operating like this cannot
continue.
In order for Coroner McLeod to keep up with the increase in investigations, he has been
able to employ six deputy coroners, who are working multiple shifts for minimal pay as
°Casual Help". I find this troubling since the pay for casual help is between $13.50 and
$15.50 an hour, similar to what a part-time casual employee with no experience would
make elsewhere in county government. These individuals are being asked to be highly
trained and investigate/handle some of the most sensitive scenes anyone can imagine,
all for little pay. These individuals are further being asked to attend training, often times
at their own expense, in order to be certified as deputy coroners.
Initiaily, an individual starting as a deputy coroner receives approximately 80 hours of
training, which includes classroom, ride-alongs, office and field training with an
experienced Field Training Officer. In addition, three deputy coroners have obtained
certification with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigation. This
Lewis county aheriFrs et6ce Miselon Sletemenl:
Bnine a committed community partner, providing professlanal service to enhance the safety, security, and quality of life In Lowis County,
certification requires a minimum of 640 hours of death investigation experience to even
apply. They must demonstrate a competency/knowledge of over 300 hours of hands-on
training, and complete a four hour written exam covering all aspects of death
investigations. Often times, the individual will pay the $400 themselves to take the exam
because of the limited budget for the Coroner's Office.
I have had the opportunity to work with many of the deputy coroners since becoming
Sheriff. I have found the coroner's staff to be highly professional, compassionate, and
well trained. They represent Lewis County in the upmost competent manner and are
committed to making a difference in their community. In order to continue to keep these
vital professionals and experienced staff, it is important the County recognize these
individuals for their expertise by staffing the office and paying them accordingly.
I would ask you, as Commissioners, to recognize there is a difference between a casual
part-time employee working for the County and a deputy coroner. Further, I ask you to
consider adding additional full-time deputy coroners to the payroll, and increasing
deputy coroners' pay to compensate them for the critical, professional, and highly
trained work they perform.
Thank you for your ime a consideration,
Robert R. Snaza, Sheriff
' Lewis County Prosecuting 346 W. Main Street, Pl
'x' •;%' Chehalis, WAA 08632
32
Attorne 's Office Phone: (360) 740.1240
Y Pax: (360) 740-1407
= TDD: (360) 7404480
September 21, 2020
Board of County Commissioners
Lewis County Board of County Commissioners
351 NW North Street
Chehalis, WA 98532
County Commissioners:
I am writing to express my concern regarding the lack of funding that has been
provided to the Lewis County Coroner's Office. Suffice it to say, the Board of
County Commissioners has failed to adequately fund the Lewis County Coroner's
Office. Fortunately, the Lewis County Coroner, and his dedicated staff, have
limped through on inadequate funding and done an outstanding job in the service
to the citizens of Lewis County. In addition, the Lewis County Coroner's Office
has established and fostered productive relationships with other similar Offices,
law enforcement, and Prosecutors locally, throughout the state, and across the
nation. Such relationships are vital as we all attempt to address the myriad of
issues faced.
Despite obvious deficiencies in funding, the Board continues to drag its feet in
addressing this matter. In 2018, the Lewis County Coroner's Office responded to
nine (9) overdose deaths. Fortunately, there were seven (7) in 2019, However,
year-to-date in 2020, there have been 19 confirmed drug -related deaths, and
there are additional cases currently pending. It is likely each of these involve a
these matters is hampered by a lank of resources.
As this Office has done before {i.e. experts, expedited lab testing, regional
training, etc.) with other Offices, when the Board has failed or refused to act, this
Office will be identifying available funds to address the County's failure. It is
believed this Office will be able to provide approximately $50,000 in funding to
the LCCO should the County, again, fail to properly fund the Coroner's Office.
This would be reviewed on a yearly basis as this Office reviews what, if any,
action the Board takes to remedy the situation created by its inaction.
It is the Mission of the Lewis County Prosecutor's Office to zealously seek justice in all
criminal matters, consistently promote public confidence in the legal system, and
diligently represent county government while adhering to
the highest ethical and moral standards.
These are monies that, frankly, are intended for use within this Office. However,
this Office understands and appreciates the needs of the Coroner's Office and
the importance of the services they provide to those within Lewis County. In
addition, the Coroner's Office is a valued partner in the efforts of this Office to
hold those accountable that are providing illegal controlled substances to others
in this community. While this will not satisfy the complete needs of the Coroner's
Office, it, hopefully, will prompt the Board to do something productive towards
finally addressing this issues that have long been known to the Board.
If you have any questions, please do not hesita#e to contact this office.
Sincerely, ` Z�
JONATHAN L. MEYER
Prosecuting Attorney
JLM/bsb
COUNTYLEWIS
FIRECHIEFS'ASSOCIATION
36(>26"077
.:
September 8, 2424
Board of County Commissioners,
The provision of public service can be a challenging task, even more challenging with
inadequate resource levels of personnel and equipment. The Lewis County Coroner's
Office provides a vital, and often underestimated service to our community, Elements of
this service include the obvious caretaking of deceased citizens and investigation of the
circumstances surrounding death but also include the lesser understood interaction with
family members, logistical support of transferring care of the decedent's body and
administrative functions of data collection and reporting- not to mention ongoing
continuing education. The current allocation of funding to provide resources to staff
these functions via an 'on -call' arrangement is inadequate to meet the current service
level demands of the Coroner's Office. Any failure in providing a service to appropriately
address the needs of citizens during one of their darkest periods of losing a loved one is
unacceptable.
funding request for monies to support adequate full-time staffing to provide the
necessary level of service. any If not all, of our members have seen first hand the
positive impact a properly supported Coroner's Office response can have at an incident,
and unfortunately have also seen the negative impact an inadequate response can
have in supporting the needs of our citizens.
fyregg Peterson, President
Lewis County Fire Chiefs Association
Centralia Poiice Department
118 W. Maple Street IRO, Box 609
Centralia, Washington 98531
October 6, 2020
Board of County Commissioners
351 NW North Street
Chehalis, WA 98532
Dear Comrissioners,
Stacy Denham, Chief of Police
Phone 360-330-7680
cod (nkdlvofcenlralla. corn
This letter supports the Lewis County Coroner, Warren McLeod, to change his part-time staff to
fulltime. I have been a full-time Police Officer in Lewis County for over twenty-six (26) years and
have responded to hundreds of calls involving deceased individuals. The majority of these cases
are natural deaths and drug overdoses. Each of these cases requires the Coroners' Office to
respond and take over the investigation of the remains. The Deputy Coroners' professionalism
who respond to these scenes is not taken lightly and can make or break a potential homicide
investigation.
As the controlling agency in the Joint Narcotics En#orcement Team (JNET), we work with the
Coroner's Office to Identify trends In overdose cases. As you are probably aware, JNET has been
working with Warren McLeod and his part-time team to locate those supplying the illegal drugs
and bring them to justice. However, this is not an easy task by any means as we have already
topped twenty-five drug overdoses this year. All members of JNET are committed to finding
these dealers who are preying on those who are battling with addiction for their own greed and
leaving death in their wake,
As we move forward in these drug overdose investigations, along with all death investigations,
the Coroner's Office is the hinge -pin of information that assists all detectives in putting the
pieces together for successful prosecutions. Under the Coroners' office's current staffing
model, the needed information may not be readily available and given their call load; valuable
evidence may be overlooked, no matter how professional they may be. I would encourage you
to consider funding the Coroner's request to staffing his office with full-time employees that
are even better trained and more accessible to other agencies and families who need them the
most.
Respectf�al4y--
St D ham,�
Centralia Police Chief
om•Mseaw+
77+e Cealr�rBn Pol/ce Depn+7m¢u! is comnd!!ed (o proleclhig Oie yun7!(p of life in nuP mnnraw;p� gtrm+gli p+nfesslmmltrm and 1nlegr7l��.
City of Chehalis
Felice Department
Glenn K. Schaffer, Chief
350 N. Market 91vd. Chehalis, WA 98532
360-748-8605,fax 360-748-1513
Board of Lewis County Commissioners:
September 8, 2020
Commissioners,
Until this year, I never realized the Lewis County Coroner's Office was not staffed by
full-time deputy coroners. This came as a surprise to me considering how vital their
work is and what an important service they provide both in criminal investigations, and
as support and aid to the families of Lewis County who have lost a loved one.
As a police chief I am intimately aware of the struggles of keeping qualified staff and
making them available 24/7.for this community, doing so with part-time staff is
unimaginable. With that, I do not hesitate in offering my support to Coroner Warren
McLeod in his efforts to staff the Lewis County Coroner's Office with full-time
employees..
The cooperation between law enforcement and the coroner's office is critical. Warren's
commitment to his duty and to this community is unmatched, and the care he and his
staff provided'my family this;year has been above and beyond anything we could ask
for. I implicitly trust his judgement on this request, and as the Police Chief and as a
_ .._ _...._...�...�. a..:...:....+..,..,..+ fnr +he nni Intl fn
,make.
Sincerely;
Glenn Schaffer
Police Chief
"PA VINE POLICE DEPARTMENT
September 22, 2020
Lewis County Conunissiouers
351 NW North St
Clreltalis, WA 98532
Dear Conunissiouers,
Chris Snlyers, Chief of Police
Judy Goribey, Executive Asst. to the Chief of Police
RM.MVED
Board of County Commissioners
Lewis County Washington
sEr� z 2, 2ozo
ORIGINAL
Thus letter is to express our agency's support for additional funding for the Lewis Cowaty Coroner's Office.
We feel with an increased level of staffing and additional resources, not only would they better serve our
community but it would make law enforcements' job more efficient. We have worked closely with their
agency on many occasions and feel the increase in funduig would benefit all agencies involved. The coroner's
office employees provide the empathy and support to the citizens within our cases and given more resources, it
would ensure they have the capacity to perform this to the level that the community deserves,
Thank for taldutg the time to consider ow• words of support. If you have any questions, please feel free to
contact myself or our agency.
Sincerely
Clu•is Salyet's
Chief of Ppliee
csa(vors ana(lyofnaoavine cogs/IoodbavQdlypinaoaNne.com
PO Box }79 / A07 SW Bfrch Ave
Napavina, WA 98585
PH860-202-98081 FX960262-9886
City of Toledo
City Hall
P,0. Box 236 e 130 N, 2nd Street
Toledo, WA 98591
September 8, 2020
To Whom It May Concern:
Clerk
(360) g(A 4564
Police
(3fQ 864-6041
Water-Sewer-Stree�s
(360) 8644565
I am writing this totter in support of the Lewis County Coroner's Office, Currently, the coroners are not
working at a full-time status; which limits them in so many ways. Due to the growing use of this agency
and the constant need for them to be available at all times, I would be in support to look at a full-time
option for this agency.
7h nl<You,
Lmueller
Chief of Police
On T/te Reau(ifi�l Crnvfitz Rivcr - Cateevay to Mr, St. Hetens
PACIFIC NORTHWEST FORENSIC PATHOLOGISTS, P.S.
5813 4911 Street Court West
Tacoma, WA 98467
Emmanuel Q. Lacsina, M.D.
Forensic Pathologist
October g, 2020
Boaxd of Lewis County Commissioners
Edna Fund, District 1
Bobby Jackson, District 2
Gary Stamper, District 3
351 NW North Street
Chehalis, WA 98532
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing this letter in support of Coroner Warren McLeod's request to hire full time medico -
legal death investigators.
I am a forensic pathologist who has been providing forensic autopsies and consultations for the
Lewis County Coroner's Office for several years. During this period and at the present time, the
office has been staffed with part time investigators (deputy coroner). Over the years the
workload has substantially increased with cases becoming more complex. The hiring of full time
deputies will provide better coverage and will improve the consistency of investigative
information which is crucial for the forensic pathologist to accurately determine cause and
manner of death. I believe that full time investigators are necessary to provide the county the
best possible medico -legal death investigation.
I hope you will consider the request favorably. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me
(253-3774824).
ti
Em el .Iacs�M,D.
Forensic Pathologist
Cc: Warren McLeod
Lewis County Coroner