Fremont County Coroner Dr. Dorothy Twellman will retire January 8th
Fremont County Coroner Dr. Dorothy Twellman tendered her resignation to the Board of County Commissioners on Monday, with an effective date of January 8, 2013.
“It has truly been an honor to have served as your coroner during the past 20 years,” Twellman said in a press release. “I have met many of you under distressing personal circumstances, but you have always been gracious.
“The role of County Coroner is a very important one, and while it is interesting and educational, it is also difficult and painful. It does take a toll.” Twellman said the loss of her home and property in the Parkdale Fire in 2010 added to the stress and challenge of the job.
“I’ve had to use a lot of energy coping with personal losses and the very frustrating process of rebuilding and replacing,” Twellman said. “That has left me feeling that I can no longer give 100 percent to the job of coroner, so it is time to step aside. I need the opportunity to re-energize, and I appreciate your understanding. Thank you for all the support you have given me over these many years.”
The commissioners recognize the outstanding job performance by Twellman over the last 20 years. “Dr. Twellman has performed the job of county coroner admirably for many years,” said Commissioner Debbie Bell, board chair. “Her experience and expertise truly will be missed. She will be hard to replace, but we understand her need to step down. We wish her continued success in her future endeavors.”
The job of county coroner is an elected position in the state of Colorado. According to state statute, the commissioners are responsible for naming a successor to fulfill Twellman’s current term, which will expire Jan. 13, 2015. The position again will be up for election during the 2014 election cycle.
To be eligible for the position of county coroner, an applicant must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Fremont County, must hold a high school diploma or equivalent or a college degree, and must have given a set of fingerprints taken by a qualified law enforcement agency. If the background check shows a felony conviction, they will be deemed unqualified, but the background check is not a preliminary requirement.
The Fremont County Commissioners will accept letters of interest for the position until 4 p.m. Wednesday, December 19th, and then will interview each applicant. Letters may be submitted to Fremont County Commissioners, 615 Macon Ave., Room 105, Cañon City, CO 81212.
The commissioners have scheduled a special board meeting at 9:30 a.m. January 3rd to appoint a new Fremont County Coroner. That person will be sworn into office on Tuesday, January 8th.