Coroners Corner

[H_Berlioz]

County Coroner. This has to be the lamest of all elected positions a county has. Especially here in Laurens. And to think that he is perhaps the second most powerful official next to the Sherrif is an even bigger joke.
Nick Nichols. Laurens County Coroner is about the most worthless excuse for a coroner that I know of. He's an ex-gas station owner with less medical knowledge than a boy scout with a first-aid merit badge.
I know that the position is mostly political and that he does not perform autopsies and such, but would you like someone who is essentially only a glorified mechanic showing up at you house and pronouncing a family member dead? Why are there no educational requirements for this position other than knowing how to write your own name on a ballot?
Rumor has it that he failed to start an investigation into a death of questionable circumstances. It seems as though that would be a criminal act in itself. Negligence.

[Captain Worley]

Why are there no educational requirements for this position other than knowing how to write your own name on a ballot?

Welcome to the wonderful world of politics, southern style!

[H_Berlioz]

I know we can't expect the likes of Quincy or Doc Robbins from CSI, but damn, an ex gas station owner. That's just an insult to people. I'll sell you a tank of gas, a pack of Marlboro, a Mountain Dew and I'll even bag up Grandma for you when she's in rigor at no extra charge.
Tyrone, the neighborhood crack dealer is just as qualified. At least he would know what a real murder scene is.

[Captain Worley]

Hey, up until recently, members of the Public Sevice Commision didn't have to have a high school diploma. There were a few of them that lost their jobs when that requirement came into effect. Think about that for a minute. All prices for electric and gas bills were set by people who have absolutely no technical training in that feild. That continues 'til this day.

I don't think ANY county in this state requires a medical degree, and frankly, I doubt any of the county coroners have one.

Politics.

<shrugs>

[B.A.R.]

Hey, don't feel bad. In Saluda County we have a Coroner who was a Carpet/Tile Store owner before he got the job!

[anybody]

Hey, don't feel bad. In Saluda County we have a Coroner who was a Carpet/Tile Store owner before he got the job!

He still is!!!!

[swampfox]

We should have a Coroner's Academy, or at least degree programs in Coronerary Science in our state colleges and universities.

[Gator96]

I would think mortuary science would be good (although a major conflict of interest), but what about those people that do autopsies?

[swampfox]

I think you have to be an MD doctor to do autopsies that count. It would cost a lot to pay a coroner with an MD.

Unless, of course, you could get one of those that are already working for an HMO, like Companion. Those should actually be pretty cheap. One of them almost killed me back in 1990.

[Gator96]

Gross anatomy lab instructors are pretty keen on this kind of stuff. The one at Carolina (next to the VA) is as sharp as a tack.HMO guy would be pretty good. That way, he would have no doubts about the cause of death. What do coroners make anyways?

[Gator96]

Okay, this is what I found...


Lexington County: $57,556/year

Autopsies are contracted with Pathology Associates of Lexington (routine autopsies)

Forensic autopsies go to Newberry Pathology Associates.

[swampfox]

You could probably get an HMO doctor for that, if his insurance was paid for him.

Personally, I would never want to be autopsied in Lexington or Newberry.

[anybody]

Would it really matter where you had your autopsy? Newberry is supposed to be top notch.

[bobo]

And is. Newberry Pathology is one of the most respected forensic pathology services in the US. Dr. Sexton has testified as to his findings in many high profile cases throughout the southeast - many of which have hinged on his findings.