Cherokee County Probate Judge Tim Burgess appointed Mr. Paul McDonald to the position of Special Coroner, an action necessary as a result of the resignation of Dr. Jeremy Deaton. Earlier this month, Dr. Deaton announced his resignation due to health concerns. The Code of Alabama authorizes the appointment of a Special Coroner to serve when the office is vacant and until the Governor makes a permanent appointment to fill an unexpired term. 

Mr. McDonald has served as Cherokee County’s Chief Deputy Coroner since August of 2016 and is certified with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).

Probate Judge Tim Burgess stated, “Mr. McDonald has tirelessly served the citizens of Cherokee County since 2016 and we are appreciative for all that he has done. Responsibilities of a coroner are great and this is an office that cannot be held by just anyone. It takes someone with compassion, organization, and professionalism—and Paul possesses all of those traits. We certainly appreciate Paul for accepting to serve in the role of Special Coroner.”