BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

NORFOLK – Democratic incumbent James “Jamie” Sienkiewycz is seeking another term as St. Lawrence County coroner, pointing to more than 30 years in funeral service and nearly two decades in the coroner’s office.

Sienkiewycz has served as a county coroner since 2007. He said he first ran for the position because he wanted families to receive better communication about what happened to their loved ones and what to expect after an unexpected death.

“I felt like the unknown needed to be made known,” Sienkiewycz said.

He said helping families understand what is happening during a difficult time remains a major part of his work.

Sienkiewycz said his years in funeral service and as coroner have exposed him to a wide range of deaths, including suicides, homicides, drug overdoses and cases involving multiple fatalities.

He said the county has faced several challenges over the years, including periods of high suicide rates and drug overdoses. He added that his experience has grown through those situations and the challenges of responding during an epidemic.

Sienkiewycz said he is the only coroner in the county with experience handling a mass-fatality incident. He said he put a plan in place when one was not available.

He has also attended medico-legal seminars and said he obtained a subpoena that allows county coroners to access confidential information needed by their forensic pathologist.

Sienkiewycz said his work requires close cooperation with law enforcement, medical professionals and families. He said each death presents different circumstances and requires careful attention to detail.

When asked what separates him from the other candidates, Sienkiewycz said he would rather focus on his own record than criticize others.

“I have respect for anyone willing to take on the responsibilities of public service,” he said.

Sienkiewycz said he hopes voters consider his years of experience and the way he has approached the job when deciding whom to support.

He said the coroner’s role includes investigating deaths that fall under the office’s jurisdiction, documenting information and working with medical and law enforcement professionals to determine the circumstances surrounding a death.

But he said the job also requires understanding what families are going through.

“When we’re called to a scene, we’re not just responding to another case,” Sienkiewycz said. “We’re responding to someone’s mother, father, husband, wife, child, or friend.”

He said families deserve honest answers, compassion and respect, even when investigators cannot immediately answer every question.

“No matter how many years I’ve been doing this, I never want a family to feel like their loved one was just another number or another call,” he said.

Sienkiewycz is running against Republican incumbent Steven M. Cary and challengers Therese Miner and James Amo.