With early voting started this week and the May primary less than a month away, contested candidates were asked to respond to three questions.
These responses are from Republican candidates for county coroner Tyler Huffer and Tracy Cutler-Wilson. Candidates were asked to limit their responses to about 200 words or less per question.
1. What is the most important function of the county coroner and why are you the best candidate to fulfill the position?
Huffer: In my role as the current coroner of Kosciusko County, it falls upon me to ensure the thorough investigation of all unattended deaths that happen within our county. Our office is tasked with determining the cause and manner of death, particularly in cases that present unusual circumstances. We provide support to grieving families, advocate on behalf of the deceased and furnish vital information to law enforcement and judicial bodies to aid in the prosecution of potential criminals.
Working closely with my chief deputy coroner, Paul Schmitt, we oversee the day-to-day operations of the department. Our foremost goal is to guarantee that every case receives a meticulous investigation and results in comprehensive reports, thereby fulfilling our ethical obligation to stand up for those who have passed away. It is imperative for us to maintain professionalism and collaborate effectively with various public safety agencies.
I firmly believe that I am the most suitable candidate for this position, due to the considerable enhancements I have put in place since being elected by the Kosciusko Republican Party. Upon assuming office, we immediately implemented policies and procedures to address the incomplete case reports, mandating thorough documentation for when the coroner is called. Additionally, under my leadership, our office has been actively involved in community outreach efforts, including the launch of an overdose awareness initiative and the establishment of the county's first Suicide Overdose Fatality Review team.
Wilson: There are many different aspects of the coroner’s role. First, the coroner is legally responsible for the determination of the cause and manner of death of the individual as we are charged by Indiana law the ultimate responsibility to correctly identify the cause of death and by which manner the death occurred. That could be multifaceted, as to the cause of death, if there is a potential of a criminal act, then it becomes a joint multi-jurisdictional case involving not only the coroner’s staff, but also the law enforcement agency of the jurisdiction along with the Prosecutor’s Office.
Our office has always, for many years worked closely with the law enforcement agencies and is nothing new as claimed by others, it is a continual positive working relationship with all law enforcement agencies for many years, including having a detective as a medicolegal death investigator, and member of the Coroner’s Office.
The second aspect is the very important notification of the next of kin. How you tell them some of the worst news they could hear, in an empathic manner could make all the difference in the world on how they handle the death of their loved one. There have been many cases where I have personally sat with those family members, providing empathy, care and compassion, just the same as I would want someone to do for myself, if I was in their shoes.
2. What experience and education do you have that makes you the best candidate for the role of coroner?
Huffer: I am a licensed paramedic and former flight paramedic with Parkview Samaritan, having served on the helicopter before transitioning to work in the funeral home. Additionally, I am a graduate of Mid-America Mortuary College of Mortuary Science, which equipped me with extensive medical training in anatomy, physiology, pathology and psychology, as well as specialized instruction in determining the cause and manner of death. Through ongoing attendance at coroner conferences and training seminars, I stay current with all aspects of the Coroner’s Office, and I am certified as a medicolegal death investigator by the state of Indiana.
I am also available 24/7 365 days a year to serve the residents and taxpayers in Kosciusko County. I am here to help families with reports, follow up questions, death certificates and issues that may arise.
My qualifications extend beyond formal education; I bring valuable experience as the current Kosciusko County coroner, having fostered strong relationships with local fire departments, police, EMS and nonprofits. Under my stewardship, the coroner's office has operated efficiently and responsibly within our annual budget.
Serving as coroner demands significant time and dedication, qualities I possess and will continue to demonstrate when re-elected. My foremost priority is to uphold the dignity and privacy of both the deceased and their families in every circumstance.
I am grateful for the support I have received since my election by the Kosciusko County Republican Party and am committed to serving the community with compassion and professionalism.
Wilson: I have over 20 years of experience investigating the cause and manner of death or the review of over 500 deaths in this county. I attended all autopsies of my cases and cases of the other deputies. Attended medicolegal death investigator class for certification, yearly continual education in this certification, paramedic, victims advocate training, along with forensics training classes.
I have professional experience working with all law enforcement and emergency services within our county, and proven experience as a team player and leader with our own Coroner’s Office for many years. Have personally provided grief counseling to many of our county families after the loss of a loved one.
Experience in preparation of death scene cases for Prosecutor’s Office, preparing death scene reports for other agencies and the required record of death with county and state Health Departments for certification of the required record of death certificates. Proficient in entering medical documentation on electronic CoronerME Reporting System. Review of patient medical records for certification of death and forensic autopsy reports. I also have experience in dealing with consul/diplomat of foreign countries of the return of the deceased to their loved one’s family in their own home country.
3. What is the biggest challenge facing the county coroner’s office in the future and what would you propose to do about it?
Huffer: Upon assuming office, my chief deputy coroner, Paul Schmitt, and I identified areas in need of improvement. A significant concern was the prevalence of incomplete coroner reports. To tackle this issue, we promptly implemented new protocols and policies mandating the timely completion of all documentation. From day one, we introduced a revamped reporting system aimed at enhancing efficiency. Securing grants, especially those earmarked for death investigations, became a top priority.
Additionally, we have worked diligently alongside the auditors' office and county council to address longstanding budgetary challenges and deficits that our office had faced for several years prior.
In addition to internal improvements, addressing the opioid epidemic has been of utmost importance. The widespread misuse of opioids has led to a troubling surge in overdose deaths, placing considerable strain on our resources. The identification of substances involved and the accurate determination of causes of death present significant hurdles.
Recognizing the significance of community involvement, we have intensified our efforts in public outreach. With the new implementation of our Suicide Overdose Fatality Review team will help with reviewing cases to see where we can make improvements and help change public policy to help prevent deaths from occurring.
Wilson: My experience as a deputy coroner and paramedic, one of the biggest challenges is the opioid/drug overdoses. As I have mentioned publicly, I don’t see it slowing down, every time you turn around there is a new drug to replace the one you just spent so much time and money trying to eradicate.
Families in our communities are suffering from mental illnesses, one of them being that of suicidal tendencies from juveniles to adults, we need to support local agencies in assisting these families. An issue that is very close to my heart is mental health with our veterans. As a mom of two Marines, one of which went to war in Iraq, we must continue to work together to help them, providing education, mental assistance to eliminate the potential of suicidal tendencies.
The fact that we are charged by law to make a complete, professional investigation into the cause of death, one tool we use for that is the autopsy. With the rising need of autopsies, the cost is also rising with this too, I want to work to find a means of financial assistance through grants to help offset this and other experiences associated with the investigation of deaths.