Dear editor,

The coroner’s office of any county is required by state statues to determine the cause and manner of death.  That being said, it is imperative that the death investigator involved in any death investigation have a medical background with the ability to properly investigate a death and determine the exact cause of the death.  Experience is even more of an essential tool in dealing with the wide range of manners and mechanisms of a death.

Your coroner, Dara Hamm, has the essential skill sets required and has been your Wood County Coroner for close to four years.  Her experience and expertise along with her medical background more than qualifies her to continue as your coroner.  Dara has handled all manners of deaths, this experience is invaluable.  Also, I have worked and consulted with Dara through these years and have been impressed with the way she has handled more of the complex cases.

Just as important as a proper investigation, is the ability to deal with the survivors of a sudden death.  To be able to explain the loss and deal with the family’s grief is paramount.  The coroner begins the families grieving process.  Dara has the compassion and now the experience to help families through this portion of their grief.

The Medicolegal Death Investigator must be trained and experienced.  It is no longer just a political position.  I encourage the voters of Wood County to vote for training and experience.  Dara Hamm is the one candidate who has both.

Scott Rifleman, Coroner
Portage County, WI