Coroner?

[NorthsideKaren]

Just curious- who do you like for Coroner? I'm not voting for Keller- Oster has my vote, but I am curious if any of you have
an opinion. :?:

[nowinvolved]

NSK, IMO we need someone in that position that has forensic experience 'in the field'. The office autopsy, in some cases, not always provides a clear cause of death. If the 'site' isn't appropriately examined, measured, body temps taken, pictures taken, and most importantly**SPECIALIST CALLED IN IF THE CORONER'S OFFICE IS OUT OF THEIR RHELM**, then sometimes the family of the recently deceased suffers weeks of waiting and residual insurance nightmares. His office was also unresponsive to family inquiries. I can't blame all this on Keller, but he has the onus of hiring a qualified team and the office staff that should be able to respond to the grieving family.

My personal experience (in the last year) convinced me that sometimes those from his office that respond 'on sight' are clueless as to what to look for. This won't change unless the coroner's office staff is changed. I thank God for the Gurnee paramedics and firefighters that were the first responders and documented, in detail, the scene.

Sorry if this post is a little disjointed. I'm still having a hard time with it.

[NorthsideKaren]

NI- Believe me, I understand the way the office is supposed to work. I interviewed when Barbara Richardson was still in
office. I'd still love to work there, but they said I'm too small.
I have heard from reputable sources that the lines of communication aren't too great there now.

It's never good when you have to deal with the coroner's office, but it is a nightmare if it's not done properly.
I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

[Blackdiamond]

Too small to do what? Let the dead bury the dead.

[Dex19]

Well, its good to see that some of the same people visit although I see it's a new place.

I just wanted to chime in on the Coroner's race... Oster has my vote!

As an ex-employee of the coroner's office, I honestly feel that things need to change. I recognize some of the names here in this thread, NSK, BD, from when I, quite publicly, was forced out of the Coroner's Office. I want to say that I appriciate those past comments of support, and to those who didn't, I respect you opinions, but of course there are two sides to every story.

I don't come here as disgruntled, or trying to get back at Keller, those who know me well knew I was looking to get out from under his reign long before my employ was terminated. I come here as a concerned citizen.

I have seen what has gone on in that office, under Kellers watch, and am disgusted by some of the antics. There was an "article" in the News Sun recently of allegations brought against the Coroner, redistributing medications, firing a pregnant deputy because she was going to need leave, carrying of firearms illeagally, and destruction of evidence. I can attest to some of these things first hand, and did when questioned by investigators. Keller however found it easier to Lie about what has occured then to try and explain his actions. This of course is a much easier way out of it for him, but he lied to the public. I have gone as far as to offer myself up to a polygraph and challenge the Coroner to do the same - hopefully this occurs in the future so everyone will know what kind of person he is.

Those things aside, I remember how emotional notifying someone of a loved ones death was and the level of compassion that was needed to do such a thing. I saw that slipping away during my last few months in that office and the lack of compassion (Keller and some of the staff, NOT ALL) joking about persons deaths and ways people died was revolting to say the least. I for one would not want Keller or some of his staffers to investigate the death of any of my friends or family and have them joking about it... It is truly a sad state.

I think the citizens of this county need a compassionate coroner as well as Coroner's staff. I think Mike Oster would be a welcome change and he is capable of restoring the level of compassion the office was once known for.