Syracuse Town Marshal Tony Ciriello has spent 28 years in law enforcement and 18 years in the Kosciusko County Coroner’s Office.
Through his experiences at the state and local level, he believes that he is qualified to run for coroner. Since becoming the Syracuse town marshal, Ciriello has picked up many skills that could help him as the coroner.
“I have insight into budgeting, management and human resource skills,” Ciriello said. “Pair those with my skills from the coroner’s office and it allows me to run. Plus this is a perfect opportunity to use my abilities.”
Ciriello also has spent time on the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force and sees the impact that drugs have in the community and especially the coroner’s office.
“Death by drugs are increasing,” Ciriello said. “The number one priority is to combat the drug problem in the community.”
Ciriello said that the transition would not be that difficult.
“The coroner and law enforcement work hand in hand,” Ciriello said. “I will be able to continue to be the town marshal and the coroner. I am a trained investigator at both levels.”
Ciriello's involvement in the coroner’s office began in 1993 when John Sadler became the deputy coroner. In 1999 Sadler convinced Ciriello to apply for a training job at the state level. Ciriello was hired by the state of Indiana as a part-time director of training for coroners across the state, a position that he still holds.
Working in the coroner’s office, Ciriello has a heart for the families of the deceased.
“Most of the incidents are sudden and traumatic,” Ciriello said. “I have a lot of compassion for the families.”
In addition to law enforcement and the coroner’s office, Ciriello has been very active in the community. From speaking at the Syracuse Rotary Club to working with the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy, Ciriello stays busy. He is an active member of the Syracuse Rotary Club, Warsaw Morning Optimist Club, Indiana Department of Heath Maternal Mortality Review Team, Kosciusko Crisis Intervention Planning Committee, Kosciusko County Coalition on Drug Education and Kosciusko Meth Awareness Partnership.
“I believe in being a public servant,” Ciriello said. “My record of public service speaks volumes for myself.”
Ciriello is also on the board of directors for multiple organizations including the Indiana State Coroner's Association, Indiana State Coroner's Training Board, President of the Beaman Home Board of Directors, Indiana Association of Chefs of Police of Police Executive Board of Directors and Syracuse Chamber of Commerce.
Ciriello's decision to run for Kosciusko County coroner is not one that he made overnight or on a whim.
“A lot of planning and oversight went into this decision,” Ciriello said. “This is something I have been planning to do for a while. I have the backing of my family and the Syracuse Town Council.”
