On Wednesday Kermit Channell, Executive Director of the Arkansas State Crime Lab, responded to the resignation of the Scott County Coroner and Deputy Coroner. Channell said that he has been serving in the state for a long time, and “cannot recall a time when both the county coroner and deputy coroner resigned so abruptly.”
–See Scott County Coroner, Sammy Callahan’s resignation letter
Channell noted that his office has not been contacted for advisement, but that he and his staff are more than willing to assist in any way. “I cannot speak for the other area coroners, but Kevin Cleghorn the President of the Arkansas Coroner’s Association is aware of the situation and I am sure he would be willing to assist.”
The county coroner, whose standard role is to confirm and certify the death of an individual, is an elected position. Channell noted that while the job is a difficult one, it is extremely important.
“I make myself available to speak to quorum courts about the
He added that while there aren’t a lot of requirements to run for the office, the state is making provisions to educate those coroners through ALETA (Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.)
“We are concerned about the situation in Scott County, but we are willing to help. We are all public servants,” Channell concluded.
