Lexington County opens new coroner’s office

Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Lexington County Coroner’s Office on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Located at Red Bank Crossing, the new office gives Coroner Margaret Fisher and her staff more room to conduct investigations, meet privately with families and securely manage evidence and other sensitive materials, according to a county government news release.

The county renovated 10,795 square feet of county-owned, existing commercial space for the new office. The facility includes an autopsy suite, anthropology lab, body cooler and freezer, evidence-processing areas, secure storage and a secure sallyport. It also includes offices for the coroner and deputy coroners, a multipurpose room, family meeting spaces and a children’s room.

“This office was designed around the work the coroner’s office does every day and the families they serve across Lexington County,” said County Administrator Lynn Sturkie. “It gives their staff the tools and space they need to do their jobs well; but just as importantly, it gives families a private and comfortable place to have difficult discussions during a very difficult time.”

The coroner’s office investigates deaths that fall under its jurisdiction and works to determine the cause and manner of death. Staff members also assist families, law enforcement agencies and other partners throughout the investigative process.

Boomerang Design served as the architect for the project, and Solid Structures was the general contractor. The work included structural changes, new interior construction and improvements to the building’s plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire-protection and security systems.