McAbee campaigns to become new coroner

Dean McAbee After much thought, careful consideration and family discussions, I, Dean McAbee, announce my candidacy for the Cherokee County Coroners office. The primary for this election will be held on June 13th, 2006. I will be seeking the Republican nomination.

As you may have heard, our current Coroner, Mr. Joe Vinesett has announced he will not seek election for a sixth term. Let us be grateful for his 20 long years of 24 hour per day, seven days per week dedicated and faithful service to the Citizens of Cherokee County.

If elected to serve you as Cherokee County Coroner, I will to the best of my ability;

continue to provide the dedicated and faithful service as was provided by Joe Vinesett, be respectful of every family’s privacy, give the family the opportunity to have the answers they need and the closure they seek, answer any question regarding the Coroner’s office, be available for consultation as related to the Coroner’s duties, provide the most efficient service possible, maintain the dignity and integrity of the Coroner’s office, and perform the Coroner’s duties accordingly and as outlined in the SC Code of Laws.

My qualifications include over 18 years of combined public service: Firefighter, EMT/Paramedic, Police Officer, Detective, SC State Trooper, and Nuclear Security.

I have experience working with Medical Professionals, Fire Departments, City Police Departments, County Sheriffs Office, SC Highway Patrol, City, County, and State Court systems.

I have the ability to understand and appreciate people’s needs and feelings in times of distress. I have a passion to work for and serve all citizens of Cherokee County.

Education to me is a continuous process of learning It comes from many sources including academic, formal, work and life lessons.

I have always strived to improve my knowledge and will continue to do so, to better serve the citizens of Cherokee County. In going through some of my educational records, I have at least 2,469 documented hours of formal training directly or indirectly relating to my ability to serve as your Coroner. In addition to the 2,469 hours of formal training, I estimate an equal or greater number of hours spent on study.

The following is a list of courses, I have successfully completed through study, written examination and practical evaluations: Medicolegal death investigation in forensic medicine, Interior structure firefighter, Arson detection, Hazardous materials awareness, Emergency medical technician basic, National registered emergency medical technician basic, Advance emergency medical technician paramedic, National registered emergency medical technician paramedic, Pre-hospital trauma life support, Advance cardiac life support, Pediatric advance life support, Police reserve, Basic law enforcement, Highway patrol basic training, On scene traffic collision investigation, Drugs that impair driving, Drug/narcotic interdiction and investigation,

Multijurisdictional narcotics task force and operations, Datamaster alcohol testin, New drug trends and prosecution of drug cases, DEA highway interdiction, Advance undercover techniques & survival, Nuclear security training.

The following is a list of awards, I have received:1988 City of Gaffney volunteer fireman of the year, 1994 City of Gaffney employee of the year, 2004 Duke Power outstanding academic performance award, 2005 Duke Power outstanding performance in response to a life threatening emergency.

I am 36 years old and a life long resident of Cherokee County. My family and I reside in the East Gaffney community. My wife of 15 years is the former Teresa Owens. Teresa is a former police officer with the City of Gaffney. She worked routine patrol and served as a school resource officer for Gaffney High and Gaffney Middle schools. Teresa very much understands the importance of the Coroner’s office. Teresa and I have a daughter, Keely, she is 14 years old and attends Gaffney Middle school.

I believe I can faithfully execute the duties of the Coroner’s office. I am excited about the possibility of serving the citizens of Cherokee County as Coroner. I am personally asking for your support in helping me rise to this great challenge. I know with your support, encouragement and friendship I will be able to help make our county a better place to raise a family.