News Release

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Tyler Huffer, a dedicated and experienced professional who is currently Kosciusko County’s elected coroner, took office on January 1, 2023. He has officially declared his candidacy for Coroner and is seeking re-election on the Republican ticket. He was elected by the Kosciusko Republican precinct committeemen and women to replace Tony Ciriello, who was leaving the coroner’s office to go to the county council. With a profound commitment to serving the community and ensuring justice and dignity for all, Huffer brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to serving as the county coroner.

Driven by a deep-seated belief in the importance of accurate and compassionate death investigation, Huffer’s commitment remains steadfast in aiding families during the challenging period of losing a loved one, regardless of age.

“Serving as a beacon of light in moments of darkness holds profound significance for me; it has evolved into my personal mission field,” said Huffer.

His extensive background in being a previous township trustee and board member, licensed paramedic, medicolegal death investigator, and graduate of Mid-America Mortuary College has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the Coroner’s office with integrity and professionalism, and leadership.

“I am honored to announce my candidacy for Coroner because I believe that every individual deserves to have their death treated with the utmost respect and thorough investigation,” said Huffer. “Throughout my career, I have witnessed the critical role that the Coroner plays in providing closure to families, ensuring public safety, making sure investigations are thorough and upholding the principles of justice.”

Since being elected, Huffer has initiated several key changes to the office. He has implemented new leadership with Paul Schmitt as his chief deputy coroner, implemented policies and procedures, including a new charting program that is free by the Indiana State Health Department; sought out grants to help that office and was awarded not one but two grants totaling $3,645 to help aid with coroner investigations; implemented community partnerships such as the Kosciusko Drug Coalition, Kosciusko Cares and L.I.T.E Recovery; and  improved communications with the Kosciusko Prosecutor’s office, Net 43 and Kosciusko Sheriff’s Department, along with other area public safety agencies. He is also part of the Kosciusko Child & Infant Fatality Review Team and Parkview Fetal Infant Mortality Review Team.

When re-elected, Huffer pledges to prioritize several key initiatives aimed at improving the operations of the Coroner’s office and serving the needs of the community. These initiatives include:

• Enhancing communication and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors office, healthcare providers, funeral homes, and drug coalitions

• Community Outreach to raise awareness to the public

• Revamping and modernizing the office, aiming to enhance service delivery to the community and optimize the utilization of taxpayers’ funds.

• Recognizing a historical issue of incomplete case resolutions, mandating electronic documentation of all cases in their case management system.

• To keep searching for grants for the coroners office to help aid with investigations

In addition to professional qualifications, Huffer is deeply committed to the well-being of the community and understands the profound impact that the Coroner’s office can have on individuals and families during times of loss and crisis.

“I am dedicated to serving the people of Kosciusko County with empathy, integrity, and professionalism,” said Huffer. “If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the Coroner’s office operates with transparency, accountability, and compassion, and that every individual who comes under its jurisdiction receives the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Huffer was born and raised in Kosciusko County. He graduated from Warsaw Community High School and attended I.U.P.U.I. in Indianapolis. Huffer is also a member of the Warsaw Noon Optimist Club, board member for the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce, and former board member of the Chapman Lake Conservation Association.

Huffer invites members of the community to join in his campaign to continue bringing positive change to the Coroner’s office and ensure that it serves the needs of all residents. Together, we can uphold the highest standards of integrity, compassion, and justice in death investigation.

For more information about Tyler Huffer and his campaign, please visit www.tylerhuffer.us or follow Tyler Huffer for Kosciusko County Coroner on Facebook.