WILLIAMSPORT - Three area coroners and three chief deputy coroners recently attained their Annual Continuing Education Certification as required by Act 122 of the state legislature to remain full time.
James F. Kelley and James R. Gotlob, Northumberland County's coroner and chief deputy coroner, respectively, were recertified, as were Bruce N. Hummel and William Pheasant, Snyder County's coroner and chief deputy coroner; B. Rick Stump, Montour County's chief deputy coroner, and Charles E. Kiessling Jr., Lycoming County coroner.
The course work included Investigation of Heroin and Other Drug-induced Deaths presented by Dr. Marianne Hamel, forensic pathologist, Southern New Jersey Medical Examiners Office; Fatal Fire Investigations presented by Cpl. Trooper Nicholas Loffredo, state police fire marshal; Forensic Mindset and Mass Fatality Management presented Dr. Kenneth Clark, forensic pathologist, Allegheny County Medical Examiners Office; Drug Recognition presented by Officer Jeffrey Hughes, Old Lycoming Township Police Department, and Prosecution of Drug-related Deaths presented by Judge Nancy Butts.
The courses were part of the second annual Coroner/EMS/Law Enforcement Day held at the Williamsport Armed Forces Reserve Center and sponsored by the Lycoming County Coroner's Office.
Should the need ever arise, the four local coroners and their offices also have an established mutual aid response with their counties and others.