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PAGOSA DAILY NEWS
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| OPINION: Carl Macht States His Case |
| Carl Macht | 7/26/10 |
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| Back to the News Summaries |
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I am a native of this county and have been the Archuleta County Coroner for 18 years. I want to thank my wife, Gloria, and our family for the support and help they have provided to me all of these years.
I have served Archuleta County as an EMT and Paramedic for 30 years. In 1992 I was asked to fill the vacant office of Coroner, because of my practical knowledge of field medicine and search and rescue experience. During my 18 years as a certified death investigator, I have investigated over 500 deaths. 80 percent of those have been natural. Accidents and suicides make up the rest of the count — with only a handful of homicides.
I establish the cause of death, its manner and time and pronounce death. The Coroner is independent of any law enforcement agency but works in cooperation with them. Medical investigation is essential on unattended natural deaths for the health and safety of the community, the peace of the family, and for the legal aftermath of a death. I also notify the next of kin and always try to spend some time with the family.
 The challenge this year in my office is being a politician rather than a professional who conducts himself with integrity and discretion. Death is an intimate tragedy for the family and in a small community needs to be kept as private as possible. Families trust me and talk to me when they are shattered by grief and I must maintain that trust.
The Coroner’s Office has always needed to balance finding the truth behind a death and being fiscally responsible to the county and its tax payers. Money for training, supplies, and autopsies is always in short supply.
I have met the financial conflict by developing close cooperation with all agencies that can lend expertise to an investigation. I have built excellent relationships with the law enforcement agencies in this county and across the state. I know who can provide services and expertise to me and when they are needed. I continue to train, study, and learn within my field so that my medical knowledge is current. I can interpret patient medical records, medications, symptoms, and traumatic forces that cause death. I attend every autopsy I order and have a finely trained forensic team. The team includes the Colorado Bureau Investigation, State Patrol, Coroner’s assist team, county evidence techs, medical personnel, hospice, and victims advocates. I thank them for their help. Because of their dedication and expertise the team here is an excellent one.
I have become good at determining the cause and manner of death. It allows me to know when an autopsy is needed and when it is not; and when a death is suspicious and when it is not. I ask for your vote so that I may continue to serve as your Coroner. |
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