The board approved two related resolutions concerning coroner services for the Sixth Judicial District.

Lucas Mellinger, assistant county administrator, asked the commission to appoint Front Forensic Medical as the district coroner and to name deputy district coroners for the Sixth Judicial District. Commissioners approved the resolution unanimously.

A follow-up resolution designates special deputy coroners drawn from the county’s battalion chiefs and lieutenants in EMS, consistent with Kansas statute allowing appointments of special deputy coroners. County staff clarified death investigations are handled internally first and the authorized forensic provider can be called for escalated needs or specialized expertise.

Both motions were adopted unanimously.

Why it matters: Establishing a district coroner and special deputies clarifies investigatory responsibilities for death investigations and identifies external forensic resources for complex cases.