Candidates running for Chambers County Coroner

BY JOHN BRICE

THE LAFAYETTE SUN

CHAMBERS COUNTY — With the retirement of Jeff Jones, the current Chambers County Coroner, there are five candidates who have qualified to compete in the GOP primary this May. Winning the primary will determine which of them will run as the Republican candidate in the general election where they will face Democrat Maurice Ward in November. Each candidate brings with them robust career experience and visions for the future of the office.

In an official capacity the coroner is responsible in the case of any unexpected death to determine the cause and manner. Currently, the Chambers County Coroner’s Office is limited by a small budget. Local funeral homes and hospitals in the county currently hold bodies until investigations are complete and final arrangements are made since the office does not have any storage facility of its own. Additionally, the coroner and his deputies use their own personal vehicles and work from home as there is no dedicated office.

LEVI RICHARDSON

Levi Richardson has served as a deputy coroner for Chambers County for the past five years and is a member of the Alabama Coroner’s association. 

“I have been a first responder here and in neighboring Lee County for 20 years in June,” he said. “I started when I was 16 [years old] when I was a junior volunteer. I graduated from Valley High, got my paramedic [certification], worked at West Point, worked for East Alabama Fire and helped build the EMS division at East Alabama. Most recently, I was the Deputy Fire Chief at West Point. Currently, I am a flight paramedic for air evac.” 

Richardson said he holds a bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services administration and is also a graduate of the Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy which he said he believes will help with the budgeting and management aspects of the position.

GLENN JOHNSON

Glenn Johnson explained how his career led him to run for Chambers County Coroner.

“I went to SUSCC and became a paramedic in 1998,” he said. “I worked part time at the Lanett Fire Department for 13 years as a paramedic only, so I ran tons of calls. I worked at LaFayette Fire Department, [and now] I work at Valley EMS. I started in 2000 [as a] full-time paramedic until the city turned it over to EAFD. I worked there and at EAMC in the EMS division. I retired in 2025. I am 63 years old and have been a deputy coroner for 15 years under Jeff Jones, [who is] a great leader and mentor.” 

If elected, Johnson said he looks forward to working with the commission to enhance training for the coroner and their deputies as well as providing uniforms to them.

DAVID SMITH

David Smith, who has received training with the Death Investigation Training Academy and is a member of the Alabama Coroner’s Association, shared details of his credentials to run for coroner. 

“I began my career in law enforcement in 1988 with the Valley Police Department,” he said. “I took some time away from law enforcement beginning in 1995 so that I could further my education and so that I could better raise my two sons. I returned to law enforcement in 2007 with my children grown and a degree in industrial electricity and electronic technology. I am still currently employed with Valley Police Department where I serve as a Detective Sgt. In 2022, I, along with Levi Richardson and then Captain Chris Daniel, was asked by Coroner Jeff Jones to assist him as he was going through some health issues.” 

If elected Smith said he hopes to work to bring the office into the digital age with the development of websites that help provide information to the community as well as establishing a dedicated office so that records and information can be modernized and maintained.

SAM THROWER

Sam Thrower began his career with the Lanett Fire Department in December 1993 and served for 26 years, including 13 years as a captain, before retiring in 2019. He also served 15 years with Valley EMS. He said his experiences shaped his belief that this work must always be done with compassion, professionalism and respect. If elected, he said he intends to bring that same dedication to the Coroner’s Office, serving with a deep commitment to safety and well-being of the community.

JOHN BROWN

John Brown has been involved in public safety as an EMT and paramedic for the past 23 years. As a paramedic he has served in the role of a shift supervisor, an EMS director and regular paramedic on a truck. He has also served his community as a volunteer firefighter at Ridge Grove, serving the last four years as assistant chief. During his time working in public safety, Brown said he has learned to be compassionate, empathetic and patient with patients and their families. Brown said he feels this experience gives him a unique skill set to serve the people of Chambers County as coroner.