Cherokee County, AL – November 6 — Fifteen coroners and law enforcement investigators gathered in Cherokee County on Thursday, November 6th to participate in a specialized training course on Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigations (SUIDI).
Investigators from the Cleburne County, Covington County, Limestone County, Talladega County, and Marshall County Sheriff’s Offices, along with representatives from the Leesburg Police Department, Cherokee County and Shelby County Coroner’s Offices, and Jacksonville State University’s Center for Applied Forensics, were among those in attendance.
District Attorney for Alabama’s 9th Circuit, Summer Summerford addressed participants regarding legal considerations in infant death cases. Coroner Lina Evans, RN, MSFS, BSN, BS, F-ABMDI, from the Shelby County Coroner’s Office and President of the Alabama Coroners Association, led the training. Evans emphasized the importance of thorough and consistent investigations, noting that Alabama has the third-highest rate of sudden infant deaths in the United States.
Cherokee County Administrator Daniel Steel welcomed attendees and assisted in facilitating the classroom portion of the event.
A.D. Valor Technical Cleaning provided a complimentary luncheon for all participants. Jimmy Lambert, Market Leader for Valor Technical Cleaning, stated, “We are honored and privileged to partner with the Alabama Coroners Association and the Cherokee County Coroner to bring this valuable training to death investigators at no cost.”
Cherokee County Coroner Paul McDonald, F-ABMDI, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and emphasized the importance of continued professional development, saying,
“Ongoing education and specialized training are vital to ensuring that every case is handled with accuracy, compassion, and professionalism. We are grateful to our partners who make this possible and to those who continue to serve our communities with excellence.”
In addition, members of the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office recently participated in a Mass Fatality Management Training Seminar held in Blount County on Wednesday, October 29. More than 75 professionals from police, fire, EMS, EMA, and coroner offices attended the event. The seminar was sponsored by the Alabama Coroners Association, Legacy of Hope, and A.D. Valor Technical Cleaning, who also provided breakfast, lunch, and snacks for all participants.
