With the recent announcement that Lehigh County Coroner Scott M. Grim is retiring, Lehigh County First Deputy Coroner and Operations Manager Eric D. Minnich has announced his candidacy for coroner.

Minnich, 41, a Democrat, began his employment with the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office as a part-time deputy coroner in 2006.

By 2007, he began as a full-time deputy coroner and, in 2012, began his leadership role as the first deputy coroner and operations manager, having been promoted by Grim.

As first deputy coroner, Minnich oversees the daily operations of the office, including scheduling, staffing, training, monthly and yearly statistical reporting, policy development and review, disaster planning, interagency relations, vehicle maintenance and other duties to assist the office in completing its mission.

Minnich has worked with several local school districts and assisted with their Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) mock accident.

This position has also allowed Minnich to work side-by-side with Grim and the rest of the coroner’s office staff at several major incidents, including the recent car explosion in Allentown and on several major projects, including the first reaccreditation at the new forensics center by the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners.

Before working for the county, Minnich worked as an EMT and paramedic throughout the area.

“My medical training and over 24 years of emergency medical experience has been a tremendous asset to my investigations and our office,” Minnich said.

“Additionally, I’m serving my 28th year as a volunteer and assistant chief with the Neffs Volunteer Fire Company.

“In seeking the position of Lehigh County Coroner, it is my hope to lead the office with the same respect, professionalism and compassion that I’ve come to know under the leadership of Coroner Scott M. Grim.”

Minnich says he asks voters, and all residents of Lehigh County, for the opportunity to serve them with his leadership and a strategy of continuing to operate the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office to the highest recognized standard.

Minnich resides in Schnecksville with his wife, Pamela, who is a registered nurse, and their three daughters.