The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and Forensics Center will receive a $100,000 state grant for communication equipment upgrades, according to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio.

These equipment upgrades will ensure that the coroner’s office continues the ability to remain state-of-the-art with the latest in communication technology and continued ability to respond swiftly and effectively when their services are required.

“One of my goals when I became Lehigh County coroner was to exhaust every resource in locating and obtaining funding for the coroner’s office,” Buglio said. “My management team has been working endlessly to find grants and funding that the coroner’s office can apply for and qualify for.

“Obtaining this $100,000 state grant from state Sen. Browne, R-16th, is not only a blessing, but the beginning of what my office is about to embark on.

“I want to personally thank Sen. Browne and his staff for making this dream become a reality.

“This funding not only benefits the office, but it benefits every citizen in and around the County of Lehigh.”

Browne commented on the coroner’s office role in the community and on receiving the funds.

“The coroner’s office serves in an indispensable role in our county and it is vitally important we ensure they have all of the tools necessary to carry out their essential mission,” Browne said.

“These funds will ensure that when the coroner’s office is needed, they will have the proper communication equipment and technology available to respond effectively.”

Buglio said the majority of the office’s portable and mobile radios have been in service more than 12 years.

“The funding obtained will begin the process of replacing the outdated portable radios and providing the deputies with a new triple band portable radio that will last well into the future,” Buglio said. “Continued replacement will include the mobile radios in our fleet vehicles.

“Additionally, communication is the life line for deputies as they respond to on-scene calls and mass casualty incidents.

“At any given and unexpected time, portable radios are used in full communication capacity with police, fire, emergency medical services and emergency management and the 911 Communications Center.”

Field Supervisor/Community Liaison Deputy Michael Bartholomew, who spearheaded the grant funding with Browne will continue to oversee and manage the radio upgrade project.

The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and Forensics Center delivers services to the residents of and to those who die within the County of Lehigh, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The coroner’s office is an independent investigative agency staffed by highly trained personnel whose function is to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding a death over which the coroner has jurisdiction and to determine the cause and manner of death.

Death scene investigations include: natural deaths, accidents, suicides, homicides, as well as deaths due to neglect, abuse, terrorism, fire/arson, industrial accidents and mass disasters.

The county Coroner’s Office and Forensics Center has been nationally accredited by the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners since 2005.