By Brigid Beatty

Published: Monday, February 4, 2013, 12:31 a.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 5, 2013

APOLLO — Roy Morrison, chairman of Kiskiminetas Township Planning Committee and elected member of Armstrong County's Democratic Committee, has announced that he is a Democratic candidate for the position of Armstrong County Coroner in the upcoming primary election.

If elected, he said he plans “to bring thoroughness and competency to the office.”

A coroner's role involves investigating all sudden, suspicious, traumatic, criminal and violent deaths and determining whether an autopsy or inquest is warranted.

“Answering all the questions that may arise from a sudden or otherwise unexpected death is a major part of the job,” Morrison said.

He noted that the position is responsible for tracking issues related to public health, such as deaths resulting from influenza, deaths associated with emergency rooms and those caused by illegal drugs.

Morrison said he has gained a lot of experience tracking deaths in multiple cases from his years of working with the AIDS Coalition of Pittsburgh. The regional office covers 11 counties including Armstrong.

“I feel my 15 years volunteering as an advocate for services and proper medical care for people with HIV/AIDS has given a depth of knowledge and procedures to qualify me for the coroner's position,” said Morrison.

He has a bachelor's degree in communications which, he said, helps him deal with grieving families and allows him to ask the right questions.

He said his education and experience will also help him when it comes to reading through all regulations associated with the position and keeping the public informed by filing the necessary reports.

“As a candidate for the Democratic primary, I seek to serve as Armstrong County coroner with integrity and good purpose,” Morrison said.

Brigid Beatty is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-543-1303 or bbeatty@tribweb.com.

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