Who amongst you will volunteer to be in the hands of an untrained / incompetent coroner at the moment tragedy strikes your family? Unfortunately my family has continued to be victims of such for nearly two years.

My healthy, 21-year-old niece Carly went to sleep April 14, 2009, and never woke up. The Pennsylvania coroner did not deem her death “suspicious.” No autopsy was performed. No police responded. Lies were told to my family. The cruel elected coroner told inquiring press he thought it was a drug overdose. Our family was shocked. Six long weeks later toxicology results proved him absolutely wrong. The coroner scrambled for a court order to disinter Carly. An autopsy gave no definitive answers … six weeks too late.

I shared this travesty with Dr. Robert Bishop, with whom I have worked on occasion for over 14 years. His passion for professionalism and compassion for grieving families led Robert to research Carly’s death. When Carly’s mom came to Oak Harbor months later, Robert met with us for two hours Friday evening, after his long workday. He didn’t have to — that’s just who Robert is.

Dr. Robert Bishop’s compassion, integrity and professionalism is unsurpassed. Robert is our coroner. Be proud of him … and grateful for him. Join me in telling him so on Nov. 2, 2010. Vote Dr. Robert Bishop for Island County coroner.

Teri Gardner

Oak Harbor