05/28/2026
Supporting the Coroner Means Supporting the Community........
In every county across America, there are certain public servants we hope we never need. However, when tragedy strikes, we expect them to be ready. Among the most overlooked of these officials is the county coroner.
The duties of our coroner, Craig Stubbs is far more involved than many citizens realize. He responds to sudden and unexpected deaths, works alongside law enforcement and emergency personnel, comforts grieving families, preserves evidence, and helps to make sure that every death is handled with professionalism, dignity, and accountability. His work is emotionally exhausting, legally complex, and often performed at all hours of the day and night.
Unfortunately, in many communities, coroners are expected to carry out these responsibilities with limited resources, insufficient staffing, inadequate equipment, and budgets that do not reflect the seriousness of the office’s mission.
If county government expects a coroner to properly perform his or her statutory duties, then county government must also provide the tools necessary to do the job. That includes reliable transportation, trained personnel, protective equipment, office space, secure facilities, investigative resources, continuing education, and adequate operational funding.
A coroner should not be expected to personally subsidize a public office. Nor should any community accept a system where death investigations are hindered because basic resources are unavailable.
This is not about politics, personalities, or turf battles. It is about public safety, accountability, and respect for families during some of the worst moments of their lives.
When a death occurs unexpectedly, the public expects answers. Law enforcement expects cooperation. Families expect compassion and professionalism. Courts expect proper documentation. All of these expectations require resources.
County governments routinely budget for roads, utilities, public works, law enforcement, and recreation because those services matter to the community. The coroner’s office deserves the same consideration. Death investigation is not optional government work. It is a mandated public responsibility.
A properly supported coroner’s office benefits everyone. It strengthens criminal investigations, protects public health, improves emergency response coordination, and gives families confidence that their loved ones are being treated with dignity and care.
At the end of the day, how a community handles death says a great deal about how it values human life. Supporting the office of coroner is not an expense to be minimized; it’s a responsibility to be honored.
We love and appreciate you, Craig Stubbs! Thank you for all the hours and hard work you pour into this community in the office of coroner. Especially when tragedy comes to those we love.
May God bless you, your office, and the wonderful people of Thomaston and Upson County, GA
Sincerely,
Jason Thornhill
Ryan Fulghum
Coggins Funeral Home