Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Seeking His Retiring Boss' Job

Lehigh County Coroner Scott M. Grim, a man with a name that really fits the job, has announced he is retiring. His top deputy, Eric D. Minnich, is seeking the Democratic nomination for Lehigh County Coroner in this year's election. Minnich, 41, began his employment with the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office as a part-time Deputy Coroner in 2006. By 2007, Minnich began as a full-time Deputy Coroner. In 2012, he was promoted to First Deputy Coroner and Operations Manager. Grim.

As First Deputy Coroner, Minnich oversees the daily operations of the office; including scheduling, staffing, training, monthly and yearly statistical reporting, policy development and review, disaster planning, interagency relations, vehicle maintenance and other duties that assist our office in completing its mission. Minnich has worked with several local school districts and assisted them with their Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) mock accident. This position has also allowed Minnich to work side by side with Coroner Grim and the rest of the Coroner’s Office staff at several major incidents; including the recent car explosion in Allentown and on several major projects; including the first re-accreditation at the new Forensics Center by the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners.

Prior to working for the County, Minnich worked as an EMT and Paramedic throughout the area. “My medical training and over 24 years of emergency medical experience has been a tremendous asset to my investigations and our office. Additionally, I’m serving my 28th year as a volunteer and Assistant Chief with the Neffs Volunteer Fire Company,” says Minnich.

“In seeking the position of Lehigh County Coroner, it is my hope to lead the office with the same respect, professionalism and compassion that I’ve come to know under the leadership of Coroner Scott M. Grim.” Minnich humbly asks for the voters, and all people of Lehigh County, the opportunity to serve them with his leadership and a strategy of continuing to operate the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office to the highest recognized standard.

Minnich plans to run an aggressive campaign, host and attend numerous meet and greets, and hopes to give the public a better understanding of what the duties and responsibilities of a Coroner involves.

He currently resides in Schnecksville with his wife Pamela, a Registered Nurse, and is the father of three girls.

Unlike Lehigh County, there is no election for Coroner in Northampton County. We're stuck with Zach Lyseck. He visited my gym with a body bag a few nights ago and just stood there, smiling, as I exercised.

"Push a little harder," he said. "You look a little pale."