Jeremy McElhaney on the Quiet, Critical Work of the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office

For Jeremy McElhaney, serving as the Chattooga County Coroner isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.

“The role of Chattooga County Coroner is sacred to me,” McElhaney says. “I am devoted to serving the citizens with professionalism and compassion during some of the most difficult times of their lives when a loved one dies unexpectedly.”

In an era where many government offices operate with tight budgets and aging infrastructure, McElhaney has taken it upon himself to make personal investments to better serve the community. “Things like remodeling the office and all the equipment, such as radios, emergency lights, and upfitting for the coroner vehicle, were paid for personally by me, not the county’s money,” he shared.

Since taking office, McElhaney has worked steadily to improve the department’s operations. One major development was opening the Chattooga County Morgue—originally repaired and set up by the previous administration—now allowing for proper holding and examination of decedents. He also put a retired surplus vehicle into service, giving the department a professional, equipped vehicle for response to death scenes.

Another milestone is establishing a public-facing office, which provides a secure place to store records and meet with families. The office also now has its own dedicated phone number: (706) 578-0254.

“I have a very experienced staff on call that works around the clock when needed,” McElhaney said. “We are here to serve families when they’re going through their hardest days.”

The Coroner’s Office holds a vital function in the judicial system. Under Georgia law, coroners investigate deaths that occur outside the care of a physician or under unexplained circumstances. That includes determining the cause and manner of death, authorizing cremations and body transport, and working closely with law enforcement and pathologists.

Autopsies are not always required but are mandated in certain situations, especially when a child under the age of seven dies or when a cause of death cannot be reasonably determined.

To hold the position, coroners in Georgia must complete rigorous training, including a 40-hour course at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and an additional 24 hours of training annually. They also serve on child death review boards and may be called to testify in court.

While the position no longer includes law enforcement arrest powers, coroners retain certain judicial authorities, including issuing subpoenas or serving as acting sheriffs in rare emergencies.

McElhaney, a proud Chattooga County resident, is deeply grateful to serve the people of his hometown.

“I’m very thankful to be entrusted by the citizens of Chattooga County to be their Coroner,” he said. “Even though much of our work is behind the scenes, it plays a crucial role in supporting justice, public health, and grieving families.”

In a job that demands both compassion and clinical precision, Jeremy McElhaney brings both—with humility, pride, and personal investment in every sense of the word.