Carbon County Coroner Bruce A. Nalesnik of Nesquehoning has announced his candidacy for re-election to a fifth four-year term of office. He is seeking the Democratic nomination in the May 17 Primary Election.

Certified in Death Investigation by the State Attorney General's Office, he also belongs to the American College of Forensic Examiners. He has continued his education in that field with over 60 credit hours of instruction.A two-time Navy veteran, he first served in the Navy Medical Corps, initially as a Hospital Corpsman, gaining certification as an EMT. He then pursued advanced schooling, becoming a Psychiatric Specialist. He was a member of the elite Navy "SPRINT" team, which conducted rapid psychiatric intervention for military disasters. For his efforts, upon honorable discharge, he received letters of commendation from the Navy and Coast Guard, and was nominated for the "Sailor of the Quarter" award.Following the events of 9/11, he rejoined the U.S. Naval Reserves in the war on terrorism, becoming an Intelligence Specialist, attached to the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) and specialized in Human Intelligence (HUMINT), serving under Reserve Intelligence Area (RIA) 16 out of Willow Grove, PA and Ft Dix, NJ.A Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Tidewater College of Virginia, Nalesnik also graduated with honors from the Northampton County Area Community College with a degree in Funeral Service Education. He is a licensed Funeral Director and is the owner and operator of the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home in Nesquehoning for the past 20 years. Prior to being elected Coroner, he served as a Deputy Coroner.During his terms in office, Nalesnik has modernized the Coroner's Office by obtaining new photographic equipment, new radios, and instituted a computer software program for the proper creation and retention of reports.Most recently, he has outfitted all Deputies with new professional attire and fully stocked Coroner Gear Bags to ensure that all deputies are properly equipped.He also conducted the first coroner's inquest in over 35 years, obtaining a guilty verdict on a questionable death case, which then led to a guilty plea by the defendant to the county District Attorneys Office.He is a member of the Nesquehoning Lions Club, where he was a past president, treasurer and zone chairman. He also belongs to the Nesquehoning American Legion.In 1998, he received the Business Man of the Year for the Nesquehoning

V.F.W. Post for his outstanding service to the community.In 2007 he had the distinction afforded him by Northampton Community College as one of their Top Forty Alumni. NCC set their diamond criteria for the accolade based on leadership in their field, establishing a high profile, making an impact in their field, being successful (not in monetary terms) and in some way giving back to their community. NCC stated " It takes a fine mix to make a community and to make it work well takes the best. For forty years, Northampton's best have helped make their community work"Nalesnik was appointed by the Carbon County Board of Commissioners to serve on the board of directors of the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission, and served as treasurer, vice-chairman and two terms as chairman.He is a charter member and current chairman of the Carbon County Child Death Review Team, overseen by the PA Dept. of Health and whose mission is to investigate the circumstances of the death of any carbon resident aged 18 years and under to determine if the death was preventable in any way.Nalesnik is a member of the Pennsylvania State Coroner's Association, the Nesquehoning Democratic Club and the Carbon County Democratic Executive Committee.Born and raised in Nesquehoning, he is a son of the late Steve and Lillian (Vannicola) Nalesnik. He is a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Nesquehoning. He is married to Koreen (Fritzinger) Nalesnik, formerly of Slatington, who is a school teacher in the Tamaqua School District and serves as a School Director on the Panther Valley School Board. The couple has two daughters, Tayler, 13 and Delana 11."I look forward to the challenges that this position presents on a daily basis.Over the years, we have developed a fine group of Deputy Coroner's who do an outstanding job in often difficult situations. It continues to be an honor to serve the citizens of Carbon County."