Photo: Kermit Channell (left), Executive Director of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, unveils Baxter County’s new cooler to Coroner Brad Hays (right).
Coroner Brad Hays’ vision to move Baxter County forward in establishing its first morgue has been realized with the arrival of a cooler that will accommodate up to three bodies.
The cooler was obtained with the assistance of the State Medical Examiner’s Office and was unveiled earlier this week to a group of county officials.
Kermit Channell, Executive Director with the Arkansas Crime Laboratory, says the equipment for the newly established morgue is a significant step for Baxter County.
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Channell says the second phase of a grant has provided six coolers around the state, following an earlier award. Together, the two grants have resulted in 14 coolers being placed.
Channell says the coolers are critical in preserving evidence from crime scenes.
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Channell says funding for training of coroners and deputy coroners is an ongoing need.
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Hays told KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot news earlier this year, obtaining the cooler may not meet all of the county’s needs, but he said it’s a stepping stone.
The morgue is housed in a county building in Mountain Home just off Fourth Street.
With help from the county’s maintenance department, the building has undergone a renovation allowing easy access to the morgue with the capability of vehicles to back onto a loading dock directly to the door of the secure facility.
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