Thurston County restores chief deputy coroner post after 30 years 

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For the first time since the 1990s, the Thurston County Coroner’s Office has appointed a chief deputy coroner. 

Thurston County announced in a press release on Wednesday, Jan. 29, that Traci McCullah will take on the newly restored role following a decision by the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC). 

“I am a bit excited about this announcement! She is the first (chief deputy) to serve this office since the (90s) after the position was originally eliminated,” Coroner Gary Warnock said.

The reinstatement of the role follows collaboration between the coroner’s office and the board, who approved a reclassification of an existing position to minimize budget impact. 

McCullah’s appointment and expertise 

McCullah, who joined the coroner’s office in 2017 with a background in death investigations, has since earned a reputation for leadership. 

“She excels in every task assigned to her and has proven herself to be trustworthy and a leader amongst her peers who look up to her for direction, encouragement, and support,” Warnock said. 

Warnock also explained that McCullah’s desire to expand her knowledge was driven by a goal to better serve both the professional partners and families experiencing loss. 

In her new role, McCullah will now oversee daily operations and prepare the office for a state-mandated accreditation under the standards of the International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners. 

State law drives accreditation move 

The appointment comes in response to a new state law, RCW 36.24.210, which requires all coroner offices to obtain accreditation by July 2025 to sustain full reimbursement from the state for autopsy services. 

The statement said that accreditation involves meeting high investigative and administrative standards designed to increase accountability and improve public service delivery. 

“We support Coroner Warnock’s efforts to meet the new requirements and maintain state funding,” BoCC Chair Tye Menser said.

Commissioner Wayne Fournier described McCullah’s appointment as a necessary step forward. 

“Supporting the (coroner’s office) to better serve our community is a priority for the (board). The appointment of Traci McCullah as (chief deputy) is a positive step in enhancing the office’s effectiveness and responsiveness,” Fournier said. 

Commissioner Carolina Mejia stressed that the accreditation would uphold fiscal responsibility. 

“Our coroner, Gary Warnock, and his team already operate with high professional standards, and we fully support their plan to gain accreditation to maintain full state reimbursement,” Mejia said.

Commissioner Emily Clouse pointed out the role of the coroner’s office in helping families during tragic events. 

“This decision underscores the county’s commitment to supporting families in their most vulnerable moments by upholding excellence in forensic investigations and care,” Clouse said.

Commissioner Rachel Grant praised the office’s dedication to accountability. 

“The (coroner’s office) plays a vital role in our community, ensuring thorough investigations into unexpected and suspicious deaths in Thurston County,” Grant said. “We appreciate Gary’s dedication to serving the living through this important work.” 

Mandate to uncover truth behind deaths 

The Thurston County Coroner’s Office is regarded as one of the most thorough in Washington, composed of highly skilled medicolegal investigators and board-certified forensic pathologists, as stated in the department’s official page. 

The office holds the responsibility of investigating sudden, violent, unexpected and suspicious deaths. 

Deputy coroners serve as medicolegal death investigators, responding at any time of day or night to death scenes across the county. 

According to the department, their work covers collecting evidence from the scene, conducting interviews, and performing internal and external body examinations, including toxicology. 

The said procedures help determine both the cause of death, such as diseases or injuries, and the manner of death, classified as natural, homicide, suicide, accident or undetermined. 

The coroner’s office also provides this information to law enforcement, health care providers and families. 

The coroner's office said that investigative findings can help facilitate insurance claims, social security benefits and estate matters. 

Warnock emphasized that the office’s work extends beyond forensic procedures to providing compassionate support for grieving families. 

“Our office recognizes that each death represents the loss of an individual deeply missed by loved ones and friends. A complete and thorough investigation provides answers to immediate questions, as well as those that may arise later,” Warnock said. 

Deputy coroners frequently assist families by answering questions and guiding them through the next steps in making final arrangements. 

According to officials, reinstating the chief deputy position is expected to improve the office’s overall efficiency and effectiveness. 

Commissioners noted that the reclassification of an office position to chief deputy was strategically designed to minimize the financial impact on the county’s budget. 

For more information on the Thurston County Coroner’s Office, visit the department’s official web page

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