PLATTSBURGH — Democrat Scott Ewin held a press conference in front of City Hall today to share his plan if elected as Clinton County Coroner this fall.
“My campaign is centered around community service, showing compassion towards the families of Clinton County, and strengthening and moving the Clinton County coroner’s office into the 21st century,” Ewing said at the conference.
Ewing, who announced his candidacy Monday, said he already has a feel for the coroner job as he was appointed deputy coroner for Clinton County by the Legislature last month.
As deputy coroner, his responsibilities include investigating deaths, meeting with families, attending autopsies and processing documentation for case investigations.
In addition to the work he is currently doing, Ewing said his 35 years working for the Department of Homeland Security as a federal law enforcement officer, 41 years as a volunteer firefighter EMT for the Town of Plattsburgh District 3 Fire Department, lifelong member of Morrisonville EMS and three years as a part-time deputy for the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office has prepared him for the coroner’s position.
“During my 35 years of law enforcement, I’ve investigated crimes at both the state and federal level, collected evidence, and processed and secured evidence for prosecution,” Ewing said.
“In addition, I presented cases to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and County District Attorney’s Office to the North Country for criminal prosecutions; testified in local, county, state and federal court; worked with law enforcement partners from local, state, tribal agencies, along with first responders.”
Ewing said he is also a member of the Fire Investigations Unit.
“As a fire investigator, I’ve investigated several fatal house fires throughout the county, collected evidence, attended autopsies and testified in court regarding the cause and origin, all working with the past two coroners and our first responders in Clinton County,” he said.
During the news conference, several local officials also threw their support behind Ewing’s candidacy, including Assemblymember Michael Cashman, City of Plattsburgh Mayor Wendell Hughes, former Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, Clinton County Sheriff David Favro and acting Clinton County Coroner Jay Heald.
Ewing told the media after that his reason for wanting to become coroner came down to wanting to ensure families have an answer as to why their loved ones passed away and to “make sure that it is done professionally.”
“I have had those skills for 40 years as a law enforcement officer. I’ve investigated crimes as a firefighter. I’ve investigated fires. I’ve managed departments. I was a commander for DHS, so I have the skills to follow through on the caseload.
“I think it’s important that all the families have closure at the end.”
REPUBLICAN OPPONENT CLIFF BERG
Ewing is being challenged by Republican Cliff Berg, who announced his candidacy in June.
Berg did not reply to a request for comment on his new opponent but released a statement on his campaign Facebook page today:
“Many people have heard the term coroner, but few know what the position actually entails.
“A Coroner is responsible for investigating deaths that are sudden, unexpected, unattended, accidental or suspicious. The job requires working closely with law enforcement, emergency responders, medical professionals, forensic experts and grieving families to determine the cause and manner of death while ensuring every case is handled professionally and with dignity.
“This is a position that demands sound judgment, compassion, investigative skills and the ability to remain calm during difficult situations.
“My background has prepared me for this responsibility. I have experience as an EM;, experience in corrections, where I investigated incidents and worked in crisis situations; experience attending autopsies; and years of working with families and individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“As a business owner, I understand leadership, accountability, and the importance of clear communication.
“If elected, I will work to modernize the Coroner’s Office, improve communication with families, support continuing education and training, and increase public awareness on issues such as mental health, substance abuse, distracted driving and other preventable causes of death.
“I believe families deserve answers, respect, and compassion. The Coroner’s Office should not only investigate deaths, it should also help educate our community and work to prevent unnecessary loss of life whenever possible.
“The Coroner’s Office doesn’t have to only be the last responder. It can also be a first outreach.”
As previously reported by the Press-Republican, Berg is advocating for modernization and improvements within the coroner’s office, including:
— Improving communication and support for families throughout investigations.
— Enhancing training and continuing education opportunities for coroners and deputy coroners.
— Developing consistent policies and procedures that promote professionalism, accountability and public trust.
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— Strengthening 24/7 coverage to ensure families receive timely and professional service when it is needed most.
— Expanding public education on suicide prevention, impaired driving, mental health awareness, workplace safety and other preventable causes of death.