Morris Seeks Eighth Term As Coroner

FAYETTEVILLE — Roger Morris plans to run for his eighth term as Washington County coroner.

Morris, 49, of Fayettev i l l e, has worked as coroner 14 years and in funeral homes about 30 years, he said. Morris, a Democrat, g r ew up around death — his father was the Madison County coroner. He said Friday he thinks he has the experience, skills and training the county needs.

Coroners determine the cause and manner of death. They work in tandem with local law enforcement and help grieving families, Morris said.

He oversees three part-time coroner deputies and one fulltime office manager, he said.

Morris is trained in death investigation, law enforcement and forensic science, he said. Morris said having the wrong person as coroner could dismantle what he’s done to beef up training and equipment.

The coroner’s office is near the Washington County Detention Center. He convinced the county to buy a cooler, cars and hire employees, he said.

Coroner became a fulltime position in 2009. The annual pay is $91,145, said Cassi Wood, county Human Resources Department administrator.

Morris has kept a “flat” budget the past three years, but calls about deaths are up. His phone rings throughout the night, he said. Every weekend, the county cooler holds five or six bodies, he said.

Candidates can file for office from Nov. 2 to Nov. 9.