Coroner

Washington County's Elected Coroners

Washington County has 4 Elected Coroners that are all members of NYSACCME (New York State Association of County Coroners & Medical Examiners).

  • John Aiken
  • James Gariepy
  • Robert Lemieux, Accredited Medico-Legal Death Investigator
  • Wes Perry
  • Dr. Kevin Gallagher, County Physician
  • Dr. Michael Sikirica, Forensic Pathologist

Jurisdiction & Authority of the Coroner

The Washington County Coroners have jurisdiction and authority to investigate the death of every person who dies within the county, or whose body is found within the county which is or appears to be:

  •  A violent death, whether by criminal violence, suicide or casualty.
  •  A death of a person not under the care of a physician.
  •  A death of a person confined in a public institution
  •  A death which occurs during a unlawful act
  •  A death that occurs which is unusual or and unexplained death

All work of the coroner’s office is performed in accordance with recognized procedures established by New York State Department of health and vital statistics.

The Coroner’s office works closely with Law Enforcement, family physicians, coroner’s physician, and a Forensic Pathologist to determine the cause of death.

At a scene, Law Enforcement is in charge of the scene. The Coroner is in charge of the body and medical history. The body is under the jurisdiction of the coroner until it is released to a licensed funeral director.

Important Information

Warren and Washington County Suicide Prevention Coalition- 518-232-4056

This response team can assist you and provide you with support if you have experienced a recent suicide of sudden traumatic loss. They help people impacted by a sudden traumatic loss. Provide information on grief support and mental health resources, promote individual and community healing, provide resources and referral, educate the public on suicide prevention.

Co-sleeping with your baby

Co-sleeping is associated with an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy. Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) is a broad term that includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleeping accidents in some circumstances. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC both advise against sharing a bed with a children under one year old