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Board recognizes Midwest Medical Examiner's Office after statewide proclamation
Summary
Anoka County commissioners honored staff from the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office for securing a state proclamation recognizing Medical Legal Death Investigators Professionals Week; the office's director and chief medical examiner addressed the board and described the work of death investigators.
Anoka County commissioners recognized the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office after the office successfully secured a state-level proclamation recognizing Medical-Legal Death Investigators Professionals Week (Jan. 19–25).
Why it matters: County and regional medical examiner staff perform death investigation work that supports public health surveillance, criminal investigations and family closure. Recognizing the office highlights the role of death investigators and forensic staff in county- and state-level systems.
What happened
Commissioner Reiner introduced the Midwest Medical Examiner Office delegation and described the state proclamation language, which notes that the work of these professionals "contributes to prevent future death, identifying public health threats, and holding accountable those responsible for wrongful death." Shane Sheets, director of the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office, said the office was the first Minnesota organization to receive the state proclamation this year; he also noted that U.S. Senate Resolution 532 similarly recognizes medical-legal investigation professionals.
Sheets and several named staff attended and were introduced to the board, including supervisors and forensic investigators. Dr. A. Quinn Piper, identified in the meeting as chief medical examiner, was also present. County commissioners expressed appreciation and said they plan to adopt a yearly resolution honoring the week.
Quotes
"This week really allows us to remember the importance of supporting the work that they do every day," Shane Sheets told the board.
Commissioner Reiner said the work is "truly essential to our legal system, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude."
What’s next
Commissioner Gamache said the county will bring forward an annual resolution to honor Medical-Legal Death Investigators Professionals Week going forward and that staff will coordinate any events or photos after the office’s trip to the state capitol to accept the proclamation.
Ending
Commissioners and staff thanked the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office for attending the meeting and for its service to county residents and regional partners.
