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LEWISTOWN -- Michael Elder, retired Pennsylvania State Police corporal and Mifflin County native, announced his candidacy for the office of Mifflin County Coroner.
Elder, who is running on the Republican ticket, said his wide range of experiences make him the ideal candidate for this position. In addition to serving as the chief deputy coroner for three years, Elder has over a decade of experience in the medical field and 24 years in law enforcement, 13 of which he served as a criminal investigator with the state police.
In 1996, Elder was appointed chief deputy coroner of Mifflin County. He received certification from the Pennsylvania Attorney General Basic Coroner Education Course. Following the guidelines set forth by the jurisdiction of the coroner's office, he investigated deaths, determining cause and manner. Elder also attended numerous autopsies. In preparation for his run for coroner in 2023, Elder again completed the required certification course in December 2022. This certification is required for all coroners and chief deputies.
"While working as chief deputy coroner, I learned that a coroner must have compassion and empathy, because you're dealing with families during very difficult circumstances," said Elder. "You have to help the family through the grieving process."
"In addition to my work experiences, the relationships I've built with EMS, fire and hospital personnel, and law enforcement will be an invaluable resource as county coroner," said Elder.
After graduating from Lewistown High School, Elder served six years in the US Coast Guard. He became a Health Service Technician with the completion of Class A School in New London, Connecticut. Elder was stationed on Governors Island in New York as an emergency room supervisor, providing emergency and clinical medical care to the enlisted and their family members. He was honorably discharged in 1988.
Elder obtained his Paramedic Certification in northern Michigan before returning to Mifflin County where he worked directly with health care professionals in prehospital and emergency department settings. He worked at Medic 29, a paramedic program based out of Lewistown Hospital providing prehospital, advanced life support. Elder also worked with Medic 55 out of Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg. He became a certified instructor in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), teaching at the Lewistown Hospital and at the Hershey Medical Center. Elder later became a flight paramedic, working for Geisinger Life Flight for several years.
Elder attended the Harrisburg Area Community College's Act 120 training, certifying Elder to become a municipal police officer. He served as a municipal patrol officer in Union Township from 1997 until 1999.
Elder went on to attend the State Police Academy in Hershey, graduating in 2002. While he served several years as a patrol trooper, the majority of his time with the Pennsylvania State Police was spent as a criminal investigator. Elder acquired specialized training in homicide investigations, crime scene preservation, and evidence collection. He investigated homicides, accidental deaths, natural deaths, and deaths due to neglect and abuse. Elder retired from the state police as a corporal in 2021 with an honorable discharge.
"I want to be an advocate for the deceased when they can't advocate for themselves," said Elder when asked why he's running for coroner. "I want to assist the families of Mifflin County in finding closure and comfort with the loss of their loved one."
Elder has been married to Wendy (McCarl) Elder for 30 years. They live in Reedsville with their family. Elder is an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Lewistown. He currently holds the leadership position as chair of the Administrative Council.
Elder is currently employed at Henderson-Bohn Funeral Home.
He plans to fund his own campaign. He looks forward to meeting and serving the residents of Mifflin County.