Carbon County Coroner Bruce A. Nalesnik has announced his retirement as coroner at the end of his term later this year, and he will not be seeking re-election to what would have been a sixth consecutive term as Carbon County coroner.

Nalesnik said, "I would like to thank the voters and citizens of Carbon County for their loyal support in allowing me to serve for five consecutive terms. I feel the time is right to step back and seek new challenges.""As everyone knows, the coroner position is a 24/7, 365-days-a-year job, and I would like to thank my family for their cooperation, patience and understanding in allowing me to fulfill my duties and dealing with the endless hours, phone calls, etc., especially on the holidays."Nalesnik said, "The coroner office has progressed under my tutelage to a computerized, web-based data system, allowing deputies to file and amend their reports in their own homes."I have seen that they are equipped with properly labeled work clothing and fully stocked gear bags, allowing them to respond to all types of cases. Despite assertions by certain coroner candidates to the contrary, under my watch and direction, the coroner's office is 100 percent certified in death investigation as overseen by the PA State Attorney General's Office, with continued education being provided to all deputies at no cost to the taxpayers."Continuing education is an important part of any investigative agency, and I have been proactive in that regard," Nalesnik said.Nalesnik said, "I would like to thank my deputies, both past and present, for providing Carbon County with professional and competent service, often under trying times."As the election approaches, Nalesnik said, "I ask the voters to think carefully about which coroner candidate would best serve in this challenging position. Experience matters more than ever for the coroner position in this day and age. I ask that the voters select a coroner candidate with experience in the position and a thorough knowledge about Carbon County and the organizations that serve it."