Commissioners choose coroner

Pat Barber of Trout Creek was appointed as the Sanders County Coroner by Commissioner Glen Magera at the courthouse on Wednesday. 

This is an interim position that goes until the November 2022 election cycle, but Barber said he will be throwing his name into the hat at that time. "I am looking forward to serving Sanders County with compassion, understanding and professionalism," said the 57-year-old Barber, a retired Coast Guardsman who spent most of his career on rescue helicopters.

The county coroner position has been part of the sheriff's job for four years. Kathy Harris of Thompson Falls was the last coroner before the coroner duties were coupled with the sheriff's in an effort to save money and increase efficiency, according to Commissioner Carol Brooker. However, Sheriff Tom Rummel told the commissioners he didn't want to continue as the coroner. The commissioners interviewed three candidates last week. 

Barber has been a deputy coroner since December 2019, along with Brandi Jones of Heron and Greg Davis and Larry Neilson of Plains. Barber completed the state's 40-hour basic coroner class last year, but he has previous medical experience as an EMT on air and ground ambulances, including as an aviation crewman aboard Coast Guard rescue helicopters. Barber will also oversee the deputy coroners. 

"The position of coroner entails inquiring into and determining the cause and manner of death and circumstances surrounding a human death as described in Montana state law," said Barber, who has lived in Trout Creek for the last two years. He added that most deaths that do not happen while under the care of a physician or hospice require an investigation, although any suspicious deaths would still be investigated by sheriff's office deputies. 

After Barber's retirement from the Coast Guard, he went to work for Priority 1 Air Rescue, providing air ambulance and search and rescue services in the Gulf of Mexico. He's trained law enforcement departments, fire departments, military, and SWAT teams in helicopter hoisting, rappelling, fast roping, and longline rescue operations. He is presently the lead instructor for SR3 Rescue Concepts and performs training instruction around the country.

"I understand the feeling of a lost loved one and feel that I can compassionately help those who have lost a loved one," said Barber, who has suffered the loss of coworkers, family members, and his wife. "I was interested in the coroner's position because I believe that I can fill a need and direct the department toward serving the community with understanding and professionalism."