While the importance of this office and the services it provides to our community can not be over emphasized, these are the main attributes and qualities I will bring to this position:

Compassion:  Regardless of cause or time in a persons life, death is an emotional and stressful time for the survivors.  I have been helping families navigate the loss of loved ones for over 25 years, mindful that needs and expectations are different and often unique in every situation.  More importantly, preventing untimely death is paramount to the well-being and support of our community.  The current prevention programs offered by your coroner's office will continue to be supported and championed.  In addition I will continue to explore new avenues of prevention and education.

Experience:  I have over 30 years of experience in public safety including 12 years as a deputy coroner supporting families, interacting with medical and law enforcement  professionals, and conducting death investigations.  I have been a Washington State Certified Paramedic for 24 years, a Special Sheriff's deputy for 6 years, a Fire Chief for 6 years, and a firefighter since 1986.  I have successfully managed public safety budgets, and forged public/public as well as public/private partnerships to improve services without additional tax payer support.

Training:   I have completed death investigation training through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, as well as through the Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners.  Please know that training and certification is not the same as membership.  Over 24 years of advanced medical training covering many disciplines, including being continually certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Advanced Pediatric Life Support.  I also posses numerous certifications in leadership, incident management, and public safety leadership from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Fire Academy (NFA), and the Washington State Patrol.   I will implement, support, and budget for continuing training and certification for all Coroner's Office personnel.

Education:  I hold a Bachelor's degree in Public Safety Administration, as well as a Master's Degree in Leadership that focused on Executive Fire Service Leadership, and Disaster Management.  Both of which provide me with a formalized education to pair with my extensive experience to lead your Coroner's office in successfully preparing for and performing with compassion, professionalism, attention to duty, and expansion of service, in our rapidly growing and developing community.