Candidate Name: Paul Proulx
Age: 70
Current city of residence: Merrill
Family: Wife-Cheryl of 45 years. Chidren-Jenny Jirovec; Laura Deasy; Molly Schult
Party Affiliation: Republican
Education–
Crivitz High School Class of ‘66
Associates Degree Police Science-NTC
Experience–
31 years Law Enforcement Experience from rank of Deputy Sheriff (patrol); Patrol Sargent (1976-1992); Patrol Lieutenant (1992-1994); Lincoln County Sheriff (1997-Retirement 2001)
Attended numerous training sessions in the area of investigations including; Death Investigations, Traffic Fatalities, Supervisory training and course work at Northwestern University-Evanston, IL and course work at UW-Madison
Firearms Instructor: 1978-199
Since being elected Coroner in 2007 has attended additional death investigation training
Have witnessed an estimated 45 autopsies as part of which being directly in finding cause of death.
Other information of note:
Member of St. Francis-Xavier Catholic Church since relocating to Merrill in 1970
Served on Parish Council for four years.
Lay distributor of Communion over 20 years
Lay Minister for those who cannot attend church for 15 years
Hunters Safety Instructor since 1980
Turkey Hunting Safety Instructor 16 years\
Six years as 4th District Alderman Merrill Common Council
12 year member of NTC Board of Trustees
Two terms as NTC Board chair
Member of NTC Foundation
13 year member of Merrill Lions Club and former president
40 year member of Lincoln County Sports Club
28 year member of Father Rene Menard Council of Knights of Columbus
Candidate Questionnaire:
1) Why have you chosen to run for the office of Lincoln County Coroner?
“I believe the office of Coroner is an important part of people’s lives, especially in the event of the death of a friend or loved one. I originally ran for office to provide quality, caring service for the people of Lincoln County in their time of need. I have chosen to for another term as I feel I have more to give. I have the time to devote to the position as well as the training and knowledge to fulfill the position. I feel I have accomplished a great deal for the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office and there are still many goals out there yet which I have yet to accomplish. I feel one of my biggest accomplishments, thanks to the diligence of retiring sheriff Jeff Jaeger, is securing physical office space as well as a dedicated vehicle for my staff and I to use in carrying out our job duties. Prior to being first elected to the Coroner’s office, previous staff were required to basically work from home.
2) If there is a particular change(s) you would make-if any-upon being successfully elected to the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office, what would that change be?
“Currently I am supporting the Marathon County Medical Examiner’s efforts to design, construct and staff a forensic laboratory and morgue in Wausau. By utilizing this facility, the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office will be relieved of the necessity of traveling to Madison for autopsies and in turn save tax payer dollars. Last but not least, I am currently working to secure a grant to fund the purchase of necessary equipment which we do not currently have such as an I-Pad for myself and my deputy coroners. Two-way radios, a stocking kit for each deputy coroner to take on calls being we use our personal vehicles to answer calls for service. I would also like to invest in the purchase of protective gear for instances of risk from bloodborne pathogens and exposure to bodily fluids.”
3) What do you feel will be the greatest challenge you will face upon successful re-election to the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office?
“I feel one of the greatest challenges I will face if re-elected as your future Lincoln County Coroner, is the risk of a mass casualty incident. Earlier I mentioned my pursuit of grant funding for equipment purchase. This equipment I am seeking, would be a necessity for myself and my staff in the event of a mass casualty incident.”
4) If you could pick one lesson or concept you have learned in your professional career and/or personal life; which you feel will prove to be a benefit to you upon successful election to the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office, what would that be?
“I feel having compassion for others and a strong, desire to investigate to the best of my ability has enabled me to provide quality service to the people of Lincoln County as your county coroner over the past 11 years. And I feel a huge part of providing quality service, is finding the answers people need and want in their greatest time of need, I am a firm believer in showing the highest level of respect to those I serve, both in life and end of life.”
Candidate Name: Mark Raymer
Age: 46
Current city of residence: Merrill
Party Affiliation: Republican
Education–
MHS class of ‘89
Current CPR Certification
Experience-
24 Years United States Marine Corps
5 years served as a USMC Military Policeman
2006 USMC Marine of the Year award State of Wisconsin
2005 awarded combat action ribbon for my 2nd combat deployment
2012 instrumental in rescuing two Danish hostages in the African nation of Somalia
Other information of note:
Lincoln County Fair Board Member
FFA Alumni Member 20 years
Volunteer contractor Habitat for Humanity
Volunteer contractor at Merrill Festival Grounds
Owner of Westside Market
Candidate Questionnaire:
1) Why have you chosen to run for the office of Lincoln County Coroner?
“I believe in giving back to the community. I feel my experience as a Military Policeman has given me experience in crash investigation and various death investigations. I have participated in over 500 military funerals across the state; assuring proper uniform policies are met and proper respect is shown to the deceased. From 2003-05 I was deployed to Iraq where I was responsible for gathering and transporting fallen soldiers as well as their personal effects.”
2) If there is a particular change(s) you would make-if any-upon being successfully elected to the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office seat, what would the change(s) be?
“I would strive to learn current policies are in place and see where I can improve in moving forward. I would strive to improve relationships with other agencies, with a special focus on improving the relationship with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.”
3) What do you feel will be the greatest challenge you will face upon successful election to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office?
“I feel the biggest challenge will be replacing the current coroner and learning the functions of the position; procedures and relationships with local funeral homes, documentation procedures etc”
4) If you could pick one lesson or concept you have learned in your professional career and/or personal life; which you feel will prove to be a benefit to you upon successful election to the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office, what would that be?
“I feel working with the various branches of the military during my military career as well as forming relationships in our local communities, and possessing a strong moral compass will prove to be a benefit to me as your Lincoln County Coroner, My number one goal will be providing the highest level of compassion and respect to the deceased and respective families. I acknowledge and embrace the idea of me being responsible for bridging the gap between the deceased and family at their greatest time of need. If elected on August 14, my promise to you is to assure the highest quality of services are delivered from the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office.