Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio has announced his candidacy for election as coroner.

His current term ends in January 2024.

Buglio, who has served in the coroner’s office for almost 24 years, said he wants to continue his service to county residents. Buglio began in the coroner’s office as a deputy coroner, was promoted to first deputy/operations manager in April 2019 and accepted the appointment of coroner in April 2022. He earlier worked as a police officer.

The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and Forensic Center investigates approximately 9,000 deaths annually. There is a staff of 14 full-time employees and eight part-time employees, including chief deputy coroner, first deputy coroner, field supervisor, deputy investigators, morgue technicians, radiology technicians and secretarial staff.

Buglio touted his accomplishments during his seven-month tenure as coroner, including reorganizing the management staff and promoting from within, restructuring the office schedule and updating policies and procedures.

Recent grants went toward communication upgrades, he said. The office also received cameras for the fleet vehicles, iPads for investigators to use real-time case entries, an online credit card system for funeral directors and replacing the paper system. He also noted he continues to research and apply for grants to improve the office and upgrade equipment.

Buglio also commented on a new community outreach program with facility tours, job shadowing and presentations at community events, school groups and hospital institutions. These are efforts to be better understood by the community.

He also noted the office has an active social media page that has helped with locating next-of-kin when needed and allows a different perspective of the office and staff members.

Buglio said the office has an outstanding working relationship with local law enforcement agencies, county agencies, hospital networks and funeral agencies - relationships that continue to grow and assist the office in its overall success.

“I see the coroner’s office as an apolitical office,” Buglio said. “I can’t promise to lower your taxes, make your community safer or your health care better, but I can give you care, compassion and experience. In a coroner career, that is what matters.”

Buglio, member of the Lehigh County Suicide Prevention Coalition Task Force and Substance Use Task Force, co-chairs the Lehigh County Child Death Review Team.

He resides in South Whitehall Township with his husband, Eric, a registered nurse.

“I welcome the opportunity to continue my service to the residents of Lehigh County and the numerous agencies I and my office work with on a daily basis,” Buglio said.