New York Senate honors medical‑legal death investigators, urges January 2026 observance

The New York State Senate on Jan. 20 adopted Resolution 13‑24, introduced by Senator Steck, memorializing Gov. Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2026 as Medical‑Legal Death Investigation Professionals Week.

Senator Steck told colleagues that “the role of the medical legal death investigator is to investigate any death that falls under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner or coroner, including all suspicious, violent, unexplained, and unexpected deaths.” She said investigators combine education and skills in medicine and law and that the investigators determine the extent of further investigation needed after scene work and information from the decedent.

Steck introduced a visiting delegation of investigators from her district and neighboring districts and named several attendees, including Dr. Michael Scirocco, described in the transcript as an M.D. and board‑certified forensic pathologist, and others identified in the record. The presiding officer extended the privileges and courtesies of the Senate to the guests and the resolution was opened for cosponsorship; senators were asked to notify the desk if they chose not to be cosponsors.

The recognition on the floor acknowledged the statewide role of investigators who work with medical examiners and local law enforcement. The resolution itself was presented and the chamber proceeded to its calendar business after the guests were recognized.