Community Outreach
As Canyon County has experienced tremendous growth over the past 30 years, we have also seen a rise in deaths related to opioid abuse, suicide, substance abuse, and motor vehicle fatalities. I strongly believe the role of the Coroner should extend beyond investigation to include meaningful public outreach and proactive efforts aimed at mitigating causes of preventable death within our community.
During my recent term, our office has worked closely with Southwest District Health as part of a multidisciplinary team known as the Public Health and Safety Team (PHAST), representing Region 3 in Idaho, primarily Canyon County. Through this collaboration, we have provided critical data that has supported statewide initiatives to increase overdose awareness, particularly surrounding opioids such as fentanyl.
By utilizing ODMAP and internal data tracking systems, our office has helped identify trends and contributing factors behind overdose fatalities, allowing us to better understand the underlying causes driving these deaths. Each year, we contribute to the Fentanyl Awareness Town Hall by presenting data, sharing trends, and explaining the Coroner’s Office’s role in investigating overdose deaths and supporting affected families.
Most recently, our partnership with PHAST has contributed to Southwest District Health securing a grant to establish the first Region 3 Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) Board. This board will play a key role in identifying strategies to reduce overdose deaths, while also increasing public awareness of the risks and warning signs associated with opioid, illicit, prescription, and emerging substances often referred to as “gas station drugs.” We strive to be at the forefront of emerging drug threats to the public.
Preventative education is equally critical. I support safe sleep awareness presentations in partnership with the Northwest Infant Survival & SIDS Alliance (NISSA), working with organizations such as the Salvation Army, Community Baby Showers, and alternative high schools that serve underserved populations. These efforts aim to reduce preventable infant deaths and provide families with life-saving information.
Each year, thousands of infants under one year old die suddenly and unexpectedly in the United States. These tragedies, known as Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID), include sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation during sleep, and other unexplained causes. To better understand and prevent these deaths, the Coroner’s Office is collaborating with Boise State University (BSU). Together, we helped secure a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support efforts focused on SUID prevention. This project uses community input and real data to guide its work. It focuses on promoting safe sleep practices for babies, addressing factors like access to resources and living conditions, and ensuring all families have equal opportunities for healthy outcomes. These efforts follow recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The goal of this work is to provide better, more timely information about infant deaths to help improve prevention efforts. Making sure investigations into these deaths are handled consistently and fairly. Working with communities to develop practical, effective ways to reduce risks and keep babies safe
One important step is engaging with our youth. By participating in career fairs for junior high and high school students, we can spark interest in forensic science and medicolegal careers. Encouraging that passion early can help address the nationwide shortage of forensic pathologists and death investigators.
Our office is also a member of the Elevate Academy Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), where we help guide curriculum development to better prepare students interested in forensic and public safety careers. In addition, we are committed to serving as a guest speaker in local high schools, providing “Coroner/Forensic 101” presentations in biology and public safety classes to educate students about the field and its importance.
Expanding internship opportunities is another key priority. High school and college students can gain valuable, hands-on experience in death investigations, including supervised field exposure. Many college students may also be able to earn academic credit through their institutions, helping build the next generation of skilled professionals.
Additionally, we are an active member and collaborator with the Region 3 Suicide Prevention Coalition. Through this partnership, we analyze data to better understand the underlying causes of suicide and work to identify effective pathways for intervention, mental health awareness, and access to critical resources.
By combining outreach, education, and data-driven prevention strategies, I am committed to helping reduce preventable deaths and strengthening the health and safety of our community.
Budget/Taxpayer Concerns
Based on my experience within the Coroner’s Office, I believe a key priority should be the strategic use of our existing budget to enhance training and support continued education for Deputy Coroners. Strengthening these areas improves not only investigative quality but also our ability to serve families with compassion and professionalism.
One important focus is expanding training in grief support. Deputies should be equipped with the tools to assist families in navigating loss, especially in helping both children and adults cope with the difficult question of “why” following a sudden or premature death. Providing guidance, resources, and direction to appropriate counseling services can make a meaningful difference during these critical moments.
Another priority is working toward accreditation through the International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners (IACME). Achieving accreditation will strengthen the credibility of the office while also opening the door to additional grant opportunities and funding sources beyond the county budget.
The coroner’s office successfully acquired a mobile X-ray machine, resulting in substantial cost savings through the elimination of outsourced services. Furthermore, this acquisition significantly enhanced both the efficiency and the thoroughness of case examinations.
Continued education for our Deputy Coroners is essential. This includes advanced training in medical knowledge such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and the development of a comprehensive mass fatality training program. Regular updates to policies and procedures will also ensure the office remains aligned with current best practices.
Importantly, these improvements can be accomplished without increasing the budget. Funds are already allocated for specific purposes, and not all training requires additional cost. Effective time management allows Deputies to participate in training, community programs, and professional development during their scheduled shifts while continuing to serve the community.
By prioritizing education, accreditation, and efficient use of resources, we can continue to build a stronger, more capable Coroner’s Office that serves Canyon County with excellence.
Working with Outside Agencies & the General Public
It has not always been a secret that, historically, there were challenges in the relationship between the Coroner’s Office and outside agencies. During my tenure, we have made significant progress in rebuilding those relationships, strengthening trust, and increasing confidence in our capabilities among our law enforcement partners. Death investigations require a true team approach, and the Coroner’s Office depends on the expertise and collaboration of multiple agencies to ensure accurate and thorough outcomes.
A key goal of mine has been to foster stronger communication, healthier working relationships, and more effective coordination between the Coroner’s Office and its partner agencies. These improvements have helped ensure that investigations move forward smoothly, efficiently, and with the highest level of professionalism.
One of the most impactful steps we have taken is the development of in-person training seminars designed to clarify the role of the coroner on scene and highlight best practices for working together during death investigations. Through these seminars, our office meets directly with law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and EMS personnel across the county. We also prioritize open dialogue, creating space for feedback, discussion, and the sharing of ideas to improve workflow and strengthen collaboration.
Additionally, our office has become a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) affiliate, allowing participating agencies to receive continuing education credit for attending these training courses. This initiative not only supports professional development but also reinforces a unified, consistent approach to death investigations across all responding agencies.
By continuing to invest in training, communication, and collaboration, I remain committed to maintaining strong partnerships that ultimately serve the best interests of our community.
Organizational Growth
& Improvement
Every employee in the Coroner’s Office brings unique strengths that contribute to the overall quality and success of the organization when supported by the right environment. I firmly believe that the most effective way to build a strong office is by investing in the right people. Providing ongoing training and professional development for those conducting death investigations directly improves the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of our work.
Encouraging continued education does more than create knowledgeable investigators. Education also strengthens morale, increases job satisfaction, and fosters a culture of pride and professionalism. My goal is to empower each member of my team by supporting their growth and helping them reach their full potential.
In 2019, my campaign priorities included establishing the first-ever Standard Operating Procedures Manual for death investigations, developing a comprehensive surge plan for managing decedents during mass fatalities or public health crises such as COVID-19, and implementing dual record storage by converting paper files into electronic records.
I am proud to say that these goals have been accomplished. A formal policies and procedures manual has been completed and is actively followed. An Incident Surge Plan has been developed and is in place, proving especially valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we successfully digitized all Coroner’s Office records, an extensive project that preserved reports dating back to 2000 and continuing all the way to records from 1893.
To further strengthen our operations, a structured Field Training Manual has been created to ensure new hires receive the education and hands-on training necessary to meet and exceed the expectations of a Deputy Coroner. We have also implemented regular employee performance evaluations, designed to support professional growth, recognize strong performance, and provide accountability. These evaluations not only help develop and retain valuable employees but also establish clear documentation practices that protect both staff and the County.
The past seven years have been incredibly busy and productive, and I am proud of the progress we have made. I look forward to continuing this momentum and building an even stronger, more effective Coroner’s Office for our community.
Family Interaction & Bereavement Services
While many people believe the coroner’s primary role is simply to determine the cause and manner of death, that is only part of the responsibility. Truly effective Coroners and Deputy Coroners understand the deep responsibility they have to the families they serve during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
In some offices, there is an expectation to remain emotionally distant. However, my experience has shown that compassion and professionalism are not mutually exclusive. I believe families deserve to be treated with the same care, respect, and dignity that any of us would hope for in their position.
I fully support Deputies who go above and beyond in their service, whether that means sending sympathy cards, helping connect families with grief counseling resources, or offering guidance and support throughout the process. These small but meaningful actions can make a lasting difference for families navigating loss.
Providing answers is our duty, but providing compassion is our responsibility. I am committed to ensuring that both remain at the core of the Coroner’s Office.
REBECCA C. BERRY EXPERIENCED RESULTS DRIVEN LEADERSHIP
2035