Starke County inducted a new Coroner on Monday afternoon.
Dannie Hoffer, Jr. was elected to serve in the position after members of the Starke County Democratic Party precinct committee made the selection, last week. Hoffer, Jr. was one of four candidates vying for the position.
During his swearing-in ceremony at the Starke County Courthouse on Monday, the Coroner announced his Deputy Coroner selections.
“The nurses, they know a lot about the medicals, but my EMS people, they also know a lot about the medical part,” says Hoffer, Jr.
Two EMS responders, and two emergency room nurses will serve as part of the Coroner’s team.
A caucus had to be held after the resignation of former Coroner Adam Gray. The Starke County Commissioners employed the services of Jasper County Coroner Dr. Andrew Boersma to help in the interim. There have been five cases where the Coroner’s office has been needed in Starke County during that time, according to the discussion.
Training is involved for the newly installed Coroner – including an externship as well as state training. Among the challenges in Starke County is developing a proper morgue for the deceased during an investigation process.
Hoffer, Jr. says that should be fixed in the near future.
“Oh we’ve talked to the hospital,” says Hoffer, Jr. “We’re going to get a morgue in the hospital. It should be fully operation by July of 2017.”
Now that the installation has taken place, Starke and Jasper counties will work closely while training is being completed for the office.
Hoffer, Jr. says getting his deputies trained will also be a major focus of his in the immediate future.
