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St. Clair County coroner Dennis Russell announces retirement effective March 2025 after more than 25 years
Summary
Longtime St. Clair County Coroner Dennis Russell told the commission Jan. 7 he will retire effective March 2025, citing health reasons and a wish to spend time with family; commissioners praised his service and planned a public acknowledgment.
Dennis Russell, the St. Clair County coroner for more than 25 years, announced his retirement to the county commission during the Jan. 7 meeting. Russell said he will step down effective March 2025 and described health reasons and family as his primary motivations.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve as coroner of St. Clair County for over 25 years," Russell told commissioners. He said medical issues — including a low cardiac ejection fraction that has improved from roughly 10–20% to about 30% — plus diabetes and numbness in his feet have led him to the decision. He said he wants to spend time with his three grandchildren, ages 13, 11 and 10.
Why it matters: The coroner is an elected county official who works regularly with law enforcement, emergency services, funeral directors and the district attorney’s office. Russell’s announced departure sets up a vacancy that the county will need to fill by appointment or special election under state law (the commission and county officials said they will follow required succession procedures).
Commission response and next steps
Commissioners and other meeting participants praised Russell’s long service. Chairman Stan Bateman said the commission would follow the appropriate procedures; several commissioners asked that Russell be publicly recognized and photographed with the commission before he leaves. Officials noted Russell will remain accessible and that county staff will coordinate any formal recognition and the administrative next steps to ensure continuity in coroner services.
Ending: Russell said he will retire in March 2025 and thanked the county and local emergency responders. Commissioners said they will work with county staff to address succession and to honor Russell’s service.
