Thomas “Tommy” Dunagan announces bid for re-election as Prowers County Coroner

I am writing to formally announce that I am seeking re-election as Prowers County Coroner and to share with the community why I believe this work — and this office — matters.

Over the past three years, I have been proud to lead a complete transformation of the Prowers County Coroner’s Office. My goal from day one has been simple: to provide our community with a professional, accountable, and modern medicolegal death investigation office that operates according to nationally recognized best practices while remaining fiscally responsible to local taxpayers.

During my tenure, the office has pursued formal accreditation standards, implemented written policies grounded in scientific and legal principles, and earned multiple awards at Colorado Coroners Association annual conferences. We have prioritized certified professional training in medicolegal, forensic, and investigative disciplines for all staff, securing grant funding to ensure that this training was completed at no cost to the taxpayers of Prowers County.

Today, the Coroner’s Office is staffed exclusively by highly qualified Deputy Coroners with a combined 50 years of experience in law enforcement, emergency response, and the medical field. This ensures professional, 24/7 coverage for our county. We have also built the infrastructure needed for a fully independent and self-sustaining office, including county-owned transport vehicles, county-operated facilities, and advanced scientific identification tools such as a forensic fingerprint scanner. These improvements help ensure legal compliance, reduce liability, and protect taxpayers from costly litigation.

I believe the citizens of Prowers County deserve a Coroner’s Office that operates with integrity, professionalism, and respect for both the law and the families we serve. I am running for re-election to continue this progress and to ensure our county maintains an office that meets the highest professional standards while remaining a responsible steward of public funds.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Thomas “Tommy” Dunagan

Prowers County Coroner