07/22/2026
Chelsie Niemcziek running for Lewis County Coroner
By Lynnette Hoffman
Chelsie Niemcziek is running for Lewis County Coroner, bringing with her a reputation for youthful energy paired with an unexpectedly deep well of professional experience. Though often mistaken for being far younger than she is, Niemcziek has spent nearly a decade building a career in medicolegal death investigation and funeral service—work that has shaped her passion for speaking on behalf of those who can no longer speak for themselves.
Running for office is never easy, especially when the incumbent is your supervisor. Niemcziek acknowledged this challenge, stating, “It certainly makes the decision more difficult, and it wasn’t one I took lightly. The incumbent is my supervisor, and I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn and grow within the Lewis County Coroner’s Office.”
“My decision to run isn’t about personalities or criticism,” she continued. “It’s about recognizing when you’re ready to lead. I have worked in funeral service, served as a forensic autopsy technician, and for nearly a decade have served in the Lewis County Coroner’s Office. During my time at the Coroner’s Office, I started as a Reserve Deputy Coroner, and advanced from there to being an On‑Call Deputy Coroner, Supervisor, Part‑Time Deputy Coroner, Full‑Time Deputy Coroner and now Chief Deputy Coroner.”
Despite her age, Niemcziek has a long‑standing passion for serving those who can no longer speak for themselves. She explained that her interest in the profession began early. “I didn’t have a typical upbringing, my parents are in the profession so it wasn’t exactly a weird topic to me. I was given the opportunity at age 14 to volunteer for funeral services. It’s why I was able to recognize my passion at an early age. Over time, it led me to where I am now at the Lewis County Coroner’s Office as Deputy Coroner, someone needed to speak for the deceased.”
Her volunteer résumé is extensive, and she believes strongly in service and training. She also expressed her commitment to the community, stating, “Lewis County has had its challenges the past few years and it’s time to clean it up. I believe we represent the deceased and their families, not a politician!”
When asked what makes a good coroner, Niemcziek responded, “To me, a good coroner is someone who combines compassion, professionalism, and integrity. Every call represents a person, a family, and a community that deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.” She emphasized that the role also requires administrative skill and technical expertise. “A coroner needs to understand medicolegal death investigation, know how to manage complex cases, make sound decisions under pressure, and ensure every investigation is thorough, accurate, and impartial.”
She added that leadership is essential. “Beyond investigations, a good coroner is a leader. They support and train their staff, work collaboratively with law enforcement, prosecutors, medical examiners, funeral homes, and healthcare providers, other community partners, and make sure the office operates efficiently and responsibly.”
Niemcziek stressed that the office must remain non‑political. “The Coroner’s Office should never be driven by politics. It should be driven by facts, the law, and service to the community. If elected, my responsibility will be to every family in Lewis County, regardless of political affiliation, and every investigation will be conducted impartially and based solely on the evidence.”
In closing, she stated, “I also want to ensure the office remains accessible, transparent, and prepared for the future. As our county grows, we need to be proactive in how we train our personnel, manage resources, and adapt to new challenges while maintaining the compassion and professionalism families expect from us.”
Niemcziek’s background, experience, and passion for the work reflect her commitment to serving Lewis County and honoring the families who rely on the Coroner’s Office.
