Dear Editor:

As this primary election season comes to a close, I would like you to consider me as your next coroner. On Jan 1, 2023, as deputy coroner of Kosciusko County I was removed from the position and the office of coroner. The position as deputy coroner was a job that I absolutely have a passion for. During the last 20 years as deputy coroner one responsibility was to notify and assist families of the passing of a loved one. This was done this with the utmost respect and dignity, as if it was one of my own loved one.

I have always believed that the position of coroner was a two-fold job. One was to take care of the deceased with extreme dignity and the second was to take care of the grieving loved ones that were left behind. As deputy coroner, I have attended autopsies working with Dr. Scott Wagner and his staff, along with review of medical records with the family doctors or surgeons to professionally conclude the cause and manner of death. I believe the position does not stop with just the investigation, as I have attended numerous viewings and/or funerals representing the office staff to support the families.

The families I have served know their loved one is in the most precious care, because I reflect those feeling, as if someone like me was taking care of my own loved one. I have wrapped that little one in a blanket with love as I have sat with that grieving parent; I have wiped the dirt and debris off their faces so that the loved ones don’t have that image. I have cleaned their hands and used hot packs to warm them so that they may be held one last time and not be so cold. This is what I do, having the care and compassion of a human giving and taking care of another. This is an act of care and compassion that I instilled in all our deputies.

The other aspect that I bring to the office as the corner is that of the administrative position, as over the past 20 years was assisting the staff with ordering supplies, filing purchase claims with the clerk, assisting and review of the yearly budgets. Administrative duties are things thar can be taught. What can’t be taught is the care and compassion we give our families. Our community and the families that live in our great county deserve this, this is what I am.

Put this care and compassion back in the Office of the Coroner, where I can lead and work with the deputies as your coroner. Vote Tracy Cutler–Wilson Tuesday May 7, one that you can trust to handle your loved one.

Tracy Cutler–Wilson
Leesburg