Marathon County approves reorganization to launch physician-led forensic science center

Marathon County’s Public Safety Committee voted May 6 to approve a reorganization that will transition the county medical examiner’s office to a physician-led regional forensic science center.

The committee approved a resolution to change job titles and the reporting structure so the chief forensic pathologist will serve as the county’s chief medical examiner while a newly created director of operations will oversee day-to-day administrative functions. The committee motion was made by Supervisor Yi and seconded by Supervisor Nick and passed on a voice vote.

County and medical examiner staff said the reorganization is tied to the opening of a new forensic science facility and to staffing changes already adopted in this year’s budget. Jess (last name not provided), who currently serves as medical examiner, said she will become the director of operations and that the office has successfully recruited two forensic pathologists: the chief medical examiner will begin at the end of May and the second pathologist is scheduled to start July 28. The office is actively recruiting an autopsy supervisor; the position and salary range are posted on the Marathon County website, Jess said.

Jess described the new…