Meet the Candidates: Colleton Coroner | Rich Harvey

(Incumbent)
Age: 66
Personal: Married. Have been coroner for Colleton County for 28 years. Graduated from USC with a bachelor’s in science, and attended pre-med at MUSC. Also studied profusion heart/lung surgery. Teaches continued education in hospitals, pharmacology, EKG interpretation and emergency cardiac care for pediatrics and adults. Member of The American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, S.C. Coroners Association, and International Association of Medical Examiners and Coroners.

Why are you running for office in Colleton?
I am the best qualified person for the job. I care about people of Colleton County. I have taken care of families in this county for the past 28 years, just as I would take care of my own family.

What do you consider the main issue facing the community?
Most people are not prepared for their passing. They rarely make plans or let their families know what those plans are. This can be devastating for their loved ones, who are not only grief stricken, but are trying to plan a funeral without having any idea what to do. Often times, people also forget to change their wills if they remarry and this poses a problem.

How will you address that issue?
I already address many of these issues in the classes I teach. I hope in the future to help educate families on preparing for the death of a loved one.