New Morgue Finally Shines From Hill

Congratulations to the residents of Ventura County, to the Board of Supervisors and the office of the Ventura County medical examiner coroner for the construction of a medical examiner office/morgue facility worthy of dignity and professionalism so long over due.

This not-talked-about need has too long taken the backseat to other equally important emergency medical, fire and law enforcement services.

With the establishment of the appointed office of the medical examiner in 1973, Ventura County became one of a handful of counties in the state with forensic medical experts assuming the responsibilities of the coroner--yet often handicapped by staff cutbacks and shared or temporary facilities.

The public spectacle of some of the more recent murder trials drives home the importance and need for professional and quality forensic medical capabilities.

And finally, it is such a distinction for the new facility to be built high on a Ventura hillside, elevated to a place of honor to remind us all of the dignity and frailty of life. A light on a hill cannot be hid.

BOB GREGORCHUK

Westlake Village

Bob Gregorchuk is president of Sunset Plan, a cremation and burial service.