Episode #72: The Coroner's Call -- Counting the Toll
Summary
Host Terese Apel interviews Hinds County Coroner Jeremiah Howard about his transition from volunteer fire chief to elected coroner in a high-homicide area. Howard discusses the 24/7 demands of the job, the emotional toll of investigating deaths, and the importance of compassionate communication with grieving families. The episode also covers advancements in DNA technology for identifying unknown decedents and the coroner's role in providing closure.
Topics discussed
Introduction and a story about a couple on a plane
Jeremiah's journey from volunteer fire chief to county coroner
The realities of the coroner job: calls, workload, and office setup
Managing emotions and the personal toll of dealing with death
Supporting grieving families and advising on end-of-life decisions
Listener questions on grief, viewing bodies, and hospice care
Identifying unknown remains using DNA and forensic technology
Mental health resources for first responders and the community
Homicide trends in Jackson and the impact of cultural influences
Retaliation cycles, gang violence, and community policing efforts
The crisis of homelessness, addiction, and fentanyl in Jackson
Preventable deaths: seatbelts, helmets, and the pain of notification
The coroner's role in investigations and releasing information
Addressing root causes of violence and glorification in media
Encouraging volunteerism and compassion for the vulnerable
Closing remarks and sponsor acknowledgments
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