Government

Meet the Candidates: Darnell Hartwell for Berkeley County Coroner

by The Berkeley Observer
Pictured: Darnell Hartwell (Provided)

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – With the June 14 primary looming, The Berkeley Observer is profiling candidates seeking political office throughout Berkeley County.

To be featured, candidates can answer a series of questions provided by The Berkeley Observer.

Tuesday’s feature includes an interview with Darnell Hartwell, a Republican who is currently running for Berkeley County coroner.

SEE ALSO:

Here is why Hartwell says he is the best candidate for the job:

  • Why are you running for coroner?  I am running for the position of coroner because I believe God has called me to serve his people.  I also believe that my years and experience in the coroner’s office has made me qualified to lead the coroner’s office.
  • Why are you the better candidate for the job? I believe that I am the best candidate for the position of coroner due to nearly 20 years in the coroner’s office as a death investigator.  The extensive training that I have that was paid for by the taxpayers of Berkeley County.  I have been a part of building great relationships and being involved in Berkeley County throughout my career. 
  • What experience do you bring to the table?
    • I am certified by the State of South Carolina as a Deputy Coroner and a Law Enforcement Officer lll,
    • I am also a registered death investigator with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.
    • Nearly 20 years working in the coroner’s office.
    • Involvement in over 5,000 deaths investigations.
  • Are there any issues that you believe the coroner’s office should address?  The coroner’s office needs additional deputy coroners to respond to calls.  The coroner’s office operational budget needs to be increased to handle the increased call volumes and other demands from stakeholders.
  • What is your educational background?  I am a graduate of Timberland High School with extensive training in death investigations.
  • If elected as coroner, what can constituents expect from you? 
    • I will work closely with the county supervisor and all members of county council to add additional deputy coroners and to increase the operational budget and staff salaries. 
    • Have the coroner’s office nationally accredited which will allow the office to received federal funds.
    • Offering grief support to those who lost loved ones including from drug overdose and violence.
    • Community involvement bringing awareness to the citizens of Berkeley County and all stakeholders.
    • Allowing our deputies and support staff to further their education.
  • Do you have any links you’d like to share? Darnellhartwell4coroner.
  • Is there anything else you’d like to mention? I am running for the position of coroner because I believe that it’s a calling for my life and a passion that I have to serve the people of Berkeley County.  I have been involved in emergency services in Berkeley County for a very long time.  I have the experience, the relationships, and the networking to serve the people of Berkeley County with compassion and integrity. 

Are you running for an elected position in Berkeley County? Click this link to be featured as a candidate in The Berkeley Observer.

Comments are closed.