About Us

The Coroner’s responsibilities extend far beyond the scene of death and the autopsy suite. The Coroner’s Office is mandated by Colorado Revised Statutes (30-10-601 through 30-10-622) to establish the manner and cause of death. In addition to our investigations, we provide legal identification and notification, review thousands of pages of medical records each week, and collaboratively work with health professionals, hospice care, law enforcement, first responders, funeral directors, and physicians. 

We work closely and compassionately with more than a thousand families each year, as they cope with the loss of a loved one. Often, our relationship with family members and friends may continue for months or longer.

The Coroner’s Office brings great value to the people in Jefferson County

This year we are applying our theme of “Rewarding Excellence,” which will enhance public health, public safety, and the administration of justice. We provide statistics to the state reporting systems, which help in letting the public know the number of child deaths, motor vehicle accident deaths, accidental deaths, drug overdoses, natural deaths, homicides, and suicides. 

These statistics go a long way toward people who are creating bills at the legislative level, forming committees to address prevention, budgeting to address resources, along with law enforcement entities that keep us all safe. 

We have created a phone line specifically for people to call us with questions about their loved ones. We continue to give our death notifications in person.

Memberships and service to the community

The Coroner’s Office is a member of the Colorado Coroner’s Association and the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners. The office obtained accreditation from the IACME in March 2023. 

The Coroner serves as a board member on the County Commissioner-appointed Regional Emergency and Trauma Advisory Council, the County Commissioner-appointed GROC Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council (as an Advisory member), and as a past board member of the Governor-appointed Colorado Coroner’s Standards and Training Board. 

The Coroner and staff serve on several committees and boards outside the office, such as the Child Fatality Review Board, the Denver Metro Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, the Substance Use Prevention Partnership, Fatality Management, and the Suicide Prevention Coalition. 

Staff are certified in fingerprinting and in Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) and are ABMDI Medicolegal Death Investigators. 

We provide community services, such as implementing a yearly community project, participating in National Night Out, participating in the Drug Take Back event, conducting community education/training, conducting classes for law enforcement and community organizations, and conducting informational sessions regarding career choices. We maintain a high level of professionalism and ethics in all of our work.

Mission, vision, values, and goals

MISSION - We determine the cause and manner of death through comprehensive investigations 

VISION - To be the leader in coroner offices within Colorado

VALUES - Professionalism, Teamwork, and Compassion    

TEAM GOAL - To commit to excellence every day

See the Coroner's Organizational Chart >>

Our office themes

  • 2019: Focus on the Good
  • 2020: Professionalism, Compassion, and Teamwork
  • 2021: Beyond Resilience - Adapting, Innovating, and Transforming  
  • 2022: Committing to Excellence
  • 2023: Rewarding Excellence  
  • 2024: Strengthening the Foundation
  • 2025: Building on Success
  • 2026: Rewarding Success