Sandstrom to seek re-election as Kitsap County coroner

Published 11:12 am Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Greg Sandstrom has announced that he will seek another term as Kitsap County coroner.

Sandstrom has been the coroner since 1999, and was a deputy coroner in Kitsap for five years before his election. He also served as a Washington State Patrol trooper for 13 years and was a minister and missionary for six.

Sandstrom, 62, lives in Port Orchard. He said his past experiences prepared him for the post of coroner.

“The Patrol taught me how to conduct an investigation, and the ministry prepared me to serve with compassion. That, combined with my experience as a deputy coroner, fully prepared me for this job,” Sandstrom said.

Sandstrom said the coroner’s office has had many accomplishments during his tenure, including the design and completion of a state-of-the-art facility at the Bremerton Readiness Center and the establishment of regional partnerships with other counties for autopsies and emergency responses.

Sandstrom also started the “Cribs for Kids” program, an effort to make sure that every baby has a safe environment to sleep.

Sandstrom said he is seeking another term to continue to enhance the effectiveness and level of service of the coroner’s office, and his goals include establishing a reserve program to provide a professional learning opportunity for those interested in a career in death investigations.

He said he will also work to obtain national certification with the International Coroners and Medical Examiners Association for the coroner’s office and facility.

Additionally, he will further his plans to provide regional support to additional surrounding counties.

“It has been my privilege to serve the citizens of Kitsap County. I am proud they’ve entrusted the coroner’s office to me and I look forward to providing them with the same level of professionalism and dedication for four more years,” he said.