Kentucky Coroner's Association

Anyone looking for a great training on Fire Fatalities? This conference is in Gatlinburg TN.

We are thrilled to welcome over 70 Coroners from throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky to the beautiful city of Morehead and Rowan County for an exciting in-service training opportunity! Per Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), it is mandatory for Coroners and their Deputies to attend 18 hours of in-service training each year. We are fortunate to have the KY Dept of Criminal Justice Training instruct this certified training session, providing valuable knowledge and skills to enhance our vital roles in the community.

This in-service training is an excellent opportunity to network, learn from experienced professionals, and strengthen our abilities to serve our communities effectively. The program will cover various topics pertinent to our roles, ensuring we stay updated with the latest practices and regulations.

We encourage you to take full advantage of this training to enhance your knowledge, develop new skills, and foster collaboration among our dedicated professionals. Remember, our commitment to public service requires continuous learning and improvement, and this training opportunity is a valuable investment in our shared mission.

We are excited to have all of you here in Morehead and Rowan County, and we hope your time with us is both educational and enjoyable. Let's make the most of this opportunity and continue to serve our communities with excellence!

Happy 4th of July from the Kentucky Coroner’s Association!

Enjoy celebrating our nation's independence with family and friends. Let’s make it a safe and memorable day!

Today, we honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our communities. The Kentucky Coroner's Association stands in solemn remembrance of these fallen heroes and extends our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones.

Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten. Let us unite in gratitude and respect for those who gave their lives to keep us safe.

Jim Henderson, Executive Director/CEO at the Kentucky Association of Counties - KACo, stopped by to speak to the attendees of the annual conference. Jim expressed his dedicated support to all Kentucky Coroner's, and briefly spoke about the need for increased salaries to Coroner's. The Kentucky Coroner's Association has a strong relationship with the Kentucky Association of Counties, and we greatly appreciate their continued support.

Nicolai Jilek, Commissioner of the KY Dept of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT), stopped by this afternoon to speak with the attendees of the 2024 annual conference. The Kentucky Coroner's Association greatly appreciates the support and partnership we have with the KY Dept of Criminal Justice Training.

It is our pleasure to extend our warmest congratulations to the below individuals who have gone above and beyond in achieving their Advanced and Master Coroner Award!

Missy Rittenger, Boone County Coroner’s Office - Greg Haley, Fayette County Coroner’s Office - Michael Durbin, Fayette County Coroner’s Office - John Cox, Fayette County Coroner’s Office - Jay Steele, Bell County Coroner’s Office - Howard Rose, Boyd County Coroner’s Office, and Jay Steele - Bell County Coroner's Office - on being awarded the Master Coroner award! 2023-2024 KCA President, Doug Bowling, presented the plaques.

John Ricks, Fayette County Coroner’s Office – Tim Gibson, Hardin County Coroner’s Office – Charles Doolin, Boyd County Coroner’s Office – on being awarded the Advanced Coroner Award! 2023-2024 KCA President, Doug Bowling, presented the certificates.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding professionals for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to their communities. They have earned it!

*New Website Launch*

The Kentucky Coroner's Association is happy to announce a brand new website! The new website will allow quick access to contact information for each county coroner, answers to commonly asked questions, and member only access to forms, training calendar, and announcements from the association. Each county coroner will receive a login soon!

Pictured from left to right: Board member John Northcutt, Dylan Harper from Forge Marketing Group, and board member Farris Marcum.

To view the new website, please visit:
https://kentuckycoronersassociation.com/

Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary, Keith Jackson, welcomes the attendees of the 2024 Kentucky Coroner's Conference in Louisville during his opening message.

Welcome everyone to the 2024 Kentucky Coroner’s Conference! Please keep an eye on this page for updates throughout the week.

*Please Share*
Attention all elected Coroners,

As we are developing the new coroners web site we would like to have a good professional photo of yourself to put along side of your contact information. Please submit a photo that you would like to be used. This will be on the public side of the website.

Please submit your photo to either:

John Northcutt - [email protected]
Farris Marcum - [email protected]

Please submit by March 27, 2024

Thank you!
Kentucky Coroner's Association

*Please Share*
Attention all elected Coroners,

As we are developing the new coroners web site we would like to have a good professional photo of yourself to put along side of your contact information. Please submit a photo that you would like to be used. This will be on the public side of the website.

Please submit your photo to either:

John Northcutt [email protected]
Farris Marcum
[email protected]

Please submit by March 27, 2024

Thank you!
Kentucky Coroner’s Association

Join us in celebrating Lew Nugent's remarkable 27-year journey with the KY Dept of Criminal Justice Training and his invaluable role as the Kentucky Coroner's Association's Training Section Supervisor. Lew, your dedication has left an enduring impact on us all. Wishing you a fulfilling retirement ahead!

Pictured from left to right: Lew Nugent, and John Northcutt.

Hardin County Coroner Pat Elmore spoke with Faith Homeschool Co-op Basic Science and Advanced Science class on science used in his occupation and the duties of the Coroners Office.

SB 17, sponsored by Sen. Matthew Deneen, passed unanimously out of the Senate State and Local Government Committee Wednesday. The measure would speed up getting a medical certification of death to families.

Jimmy Pollard of the Ky Coroners Association and Hardin County Coroner Pat Elmore were in Frankfort to support the bill.

Read more about this legislation: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/24rs/sb17.html

Please take the time to sign up and provide your emergency contact information. It is an extremely useful resource we have in Kentucky.

Follow this link to sign up: bit.ly/emergency-notice

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Who will get the call if you are seriously injured or killed? Emergency Notice is an emergency contact registry that helps law enforcement officials know who you wish to be notified in case of a serious emergency. It helps first responders at the scene of a crash or crisis gain valuable information quickly when every minute counts.
You can also opt-in to get relevant driver licensing updates, like card expiration reminders.
Register today and provide your loved ones with peace of mind. Sign up today at bit.ly/emergency-notice

As we celebrate the hardworking men and women of our great Commonwealth, the Kentucky Coroner's Association would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who tirelessly dedicate themselves to their professions.

Labor Day reminds us of the importance of our workforce, from the first responders who ensure our safety to the healthcare workers who care for our well-being. We also pay tribute to our own dedicated team of coroners and medical examiners who work diligently to bring closure to families during difficult times.

Today, let's take a moment to relax, enjoy time with loved ones, and honor the achievements of the American workforce. Your dedication is what makes our nation strong, resilient, and united.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

Please join us in welcoming a new Forensic Pathologist at the Frankfort Office, Dr. Laura Bagwell!

“I am originally from South Carolina. I completed my undergraduate education at Clemson University and my medical school education at University of South Carolina. After medical school, I completed pathology residency and forensic pathology fellowship training at University of Tennessee in Memphis. I am very happy to be here in Frankfort and look forward to working with everyone.”

The Kentucky Coroner's Association board met this past week at the State Medical Examiner's Office in Frankfort.

We are thrilled to welcome all of you to the beautiful city of Morehead and Rowan County for an exciting in-service training opportunity! Per Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), it is mandatory for Coroners and their Deputies to attend 18 hours of in-service training each year. We are fortunate to have the KY Dept of Criminal Justice Training hosting this certified training session, providing valuable knowledge and skills to enhance our vital roles in the community.

We extend a warm invitation to the following counties who are in attendance: Fayette, Montgomery, Knott, Pendleton, Fleming, Pike, Rowan, Campbell, Pulaski, Madison, Clay, Bracken, Lewis, Owsley, Greenup, Mason, Boyd, Wayne, Johnson, Breathitt, Floyd, Lee, Scott, Morgan, Bell, Taylor, Estill, Magoffin, Wolfe, Menifee, Carter, Grant, Robertson, Livingston, Harrison, and Elliott.

This in-service training is an excellent opportunity to network, learn from experienced professionals, and strengthen our abilities to serve our communities effectively. The program will cover various topics pertinent to our roles, ensuring we stay updated with the latest practices and regulations.

We encourage you to take full advantage of this training to enhance your knowledge, develop new skills, and foster collaboration among our dedicated professionals. Remember, our commitment to public service requires continuous learning and improvement, and this training opportunity is a valuable investment in our shared mission.

We are excited to have all of you here in Morehead and Rowan County, and we hope your time with us is both educational and enjoyable. Let's make the most of this opportunity and continue to serve our communities with excellence!

In the wake of the tragic loss of Scott County Sheriff's Deputy, Caleb Conley, we extend our deepest condolences to his friends, family, and coworkers. The Kentucky Coroner's Association mourns alongside you during this incredibly difficult time.

Deputy Caleb Conley's dedication and service to the community will forever be remembered. His selflessness and commitment to protecting others are a testament to his noble character. We are grateful for his unwavering bravery and the sacrifices he made to ensure our safety.

To the friends, family, and coworkers of Deputy Caleb Conley, we offer our heartfelt support and sympathies. We understand the profound grief you are experiencing, and we stand by you as you navigate through this painful journey. Please know that you are not alone; we are here to lend a helping hand and provide any assistance you may need.

The loss of Deputy Caleb Conley is deeply felt, not only by his immediate circle but also by the law enforcement community and the broader community he served. We will remember his contributions and honor his memory as we continue our shared mission of promoting safety and well-being.

May the memories of Deputy Caleb Conley bring comfort to all who knew him. Let us cherish the moments shared and the impact he made on our lives. In this time of immense sorrow, may we find solace in our collective support and the resilience of our community.

Congratulations to Jay Steele, Bell Co. Coroner, Jimmie Holley, Boyd Co. Deputy Coroner, Dr. Robert C. Flowers, Cumberland Co. Deputy Coroner, and Michael C. Spears, Cumberland Co. Deputy Coroner, for achieving the Advanced Coroner Award at the 2023 Kentucky Coroner's Annual Conference! It's a remarkable achievement that requires a significant amount of dedication and hard work.

The prerequisites for the award are no small feat and include certification from the Department of Criminal Justice Training after completing the five core career Coroner’s courses, attending the Coroner's Conference for credit, completing three other in-service courses of your choice, and completing six years of service as well as being a member of the Kentucky State Coroner's Association for at least three years.

We are proud of your exceptional efforts, commitment, and compassion towards serving your communities in the position of Coroner or Deputy Coroner. Your advanced knowledge and skills will undoubtedly benefit the people you serve.

Nick Jelik, Commissioner of the KY Dept of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT), stopped by this morning to speak with the attendees of the Annual Conference .

It is our pleasure to extend our warmest congratulations to Jimmy Adams, Montgomery County Coroner – Donald Hamner, Boyle County Coroner – Mark Garnett, Owen County Coroner – Brad Jones, Graves County Coroner – and Michael Huges, Jessimine County Coroner, on being awarded the Master Coroner award! 2022-2023 KCA President, Mark Hammond, presented the plaques.

To receive this prestigious honor, they must fulfill several requirements, including assisting in performing at least 300 postmortem examinations, completing 12 years of service as a Coroner, and being a member of the Kentucky State Coroner's Association for at least 8 years.

In addition, they have attended two Coroner's Conferences for credit in 12 years, demonstrating their commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest industry knowledge and best practices.

Please join me in congratulating these outstanding professionals for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to their communities. They have earned it!

Today, we remember Jill Tyler Hurst, a bright and compassionate 18-year-old from Lawrenceburg, who tragically lost her life, due to injuries sustained in a 2019 motor vehicle accident. Jill's selflessness and kindness continue to inspire us, as she had signed up to be an organ donor before her passing.

This afternoon, Jill's mother Christy, spoke about her daughter's decision to be an organ donor and urged others to follow her example. Jill's legacy lives on through the lives she saved and the lives she touched.

We want to take a moment to express our gratitude to the sponsors and vendors who supported us in making our annual conference a great success. We would like to give a special shoutout to our platinum sponsors, Kentucky Association of Counties - KACo and Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA), for their incredible contributions and ongoing support.

We also want to thank our gold sponsor, AXIS Forensic Toxicology, for their valuable partnership and dedication to our mission. We couldn't have done it without you.

And last but not least, we want to recognize our bronze sponsors for their important role in helping us bring together an exceptional group of professionals. A big thank you to A.D. Valor Technical Cleaning, Aftermath Services, LLC, CoronerME—Terry L. Gray, The Dodge Company—Greg Arnold, Drug Overdose Fatality Surveillance System (DOFSS), Genesis Whole-body Donor Program—Robin Bozarth, JT’s Way, Freedom Tactical—Brittany Wells, Kentucky Injury Prevention & Research Center, Kentucky Child Fatality Review, Kentuck Department of Vital Statistics, and Servicemaster Cleaning & Restoration by Trifecta.

Your contributions and support have helped us advance our cause of serving the community and improving public health and safety in Kentucky. Thank you again, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.

We just wrapped up a fantastic afternoon session with two incredible presenters from the Death Investigation Academy. Darren Dake led an engaging and informative instruction on death notifications, which was followed by Major Mark Bailey's insightful discussion on topics ranging from initial response to scene investigation and court proceedings.

Both presenters provided valuable insights and practical knowledge that are essential for any coroner or death investigator. Their expertise and experience in the field were evident throughout their presentations, and everyone who attended the session came away with a greater understanding of the important work that we do.