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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, August 20, 2018

McClure Hints Forensic Center May Be Part of 2019 Budget

NorCo Coroner's Office at Louise Moore Park
Five years ago, Northampton County Coroner Zach Lysek presented County Council with plans for a $6.3 million morgue. Everyone said it was wonderful. Nothing was done. Executive Lamont McClure, however, has resurrected the issue.

At County Council's August 16 meeting, McClure hinted that a forensic center might be part of next year's budget. Drawings for a facility have been updated, and he intends to make a presentation soon.

"Don't think of this as a morgue," he warned. Instead, he wants a "true forensic center" where autopsies and toxicology tests are performed to help solve murder crimes. He is hoping police will be able to use it to download cellphones and as a place where St.Luke's and DeSales can train  future physicians and physician assistants.

"I think you can anticipate seeing a plan in the budget," he warned.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Don't think of it as a morgue"

Sure. The difference between a morgue and a "forensic Center" is about $4million dollars. This guy loves spending money.

Sadly he has a rubber stamp county council that approves every money spending idea he has.

E Mest said...

A forensic center, in my opinion, would be a true asset to Northampton county. Not only as a teaching tool for our young students in that field, but would eventually pay for itself. You see I worked in accounts payable and saw the amounts the county paid for autopsies and forensic testing. It was an incredible amount. If the county had their own testing facility it would make things so much better for all involved in so many ways. Yes it’s a large sum of money, but what it would save in the long run would be incredible. Would there be a possibility of charging other counties for our services too?

Bernie O'Hare said...

Elaine, I believe other counties could be charged. I had no idea autopsies were so expensive.

Anonymous said...

Spend spend spend ....... Notice the ones that don't pay real estate taxes say go for it .. PSP has Lab and that's all they need as well as the many private labs. I guess McClown is taking care of the elderly even after they are dead. Spend the 6 million on something ofof val

Anonymous said...

We have a mortuary science lab at NCC and we don't need any more classroom s. To do this is a waste of money.

Anonymous said...

Lysek loves to waste money ..He always did...time for Him to go and someone in there that thinks about someone other than himself!!!!

Anonymous said...

We have a VERY GOOD mortuary science program at NCC. Why does this goof of a coroner or county "mananger" need anything more. Partner with NCC and its already there. This is a waste and total BS.

Anonymous said...

Every time I hear Coroner, I think of HBO's "The Night of" and the way the coroner, the DA, and the police, interacted...it was horrifyingly eye opening.

I'll never look at the Coroner Office the same way.

Anonymous said...

To bad there is no one in the county to ask questions about this waste of money. His council will do nothing but what they are told.

Anonymous said...

It s only money!

Anonymous said...

once again NORCO is 5 years behind Lehigh County