Charlie Smith praised for 30 years as county coroner

He has served in role while working as nurse supervisor at Medina Memorial Hospital, volunteering as Ridgeway firefighter

Photos by Tom Rivers: Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, right, presents a “Special Recognition Award” from County legislature to Charlie Smith in honor of his 30 years as a county coroner. Smith is retiring from the role on Dec. 31.

ALBION – Charle Smith is leaving his office as county coroner with praise from county legislators and his colleagues.

Smith on Tuesday received a “Special Recognition Award” from the Orleans County Legislature for his 30 years as coroner.

Smith started as a coroner on Jan. 1, 1995. He typically handled 20 to 25 calls a year where he determined the cause and manner of death, and then prepared the death certificates. He also generally did another dozen calls a year that were phone releases with hospital nurses where the death was not unexpected.

“You always responded with empathy and afforded dignity to the decedents, family members and others involved in these situation,” according to the award from the Legislature. “Although a challenging role, you have represented Orleans County and assisted many families during a difficult time.”

Smith said the job of coroner has been “interesting and challenging.” A coroner needs in-depth medical knowledge. Smith graduated from Buffalo General School of Nursing in 1975. He also has attended many trainings through the NYS Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve the people of our county,” Smith told county legislators on Tuesday when he was presented with an award.

County Legislator Don Allport reads a proclamation declaring Jan. 19-25  as “Medico-legal Death Investigations Professionals Week.” He presents it to from left: Chief County Coroner Scott Schmidt, incoming coroner Julie Woodworth, and retiring coroner Charlie Smith.

Coroners are typically called to a scene when a person dies who isn’t under direct care of a doctor or at a nursing home.

Smith served in the role while working as a nurse supervisor at Medina Memorial Hospital and as an active firefighter with the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. He will continue with the hospital and fire company after retiring from coroner.

Smith has worked at the hospital for 35 years, and has 52 years with the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. He also worked two years as a flight nurse with Mercy Flight.

Scott Schmidt, the county’s chief coroner, said Smith has been “a pillar of the community” doing a “yeoman’s job” as coroner.

Julie Woodworth, a nurse who has worked with Smith at Medina Memorial Hospital, will take his spot as coroner beginning Jan. 1. She was elected on Nov. 5.

She praised Smith’s ethics, dedication and service.

“Charlie’s decades of service have been defined by professionalism, compassion and an unwavering pursuit of truth in the face of adversity,” Woodworth said.

Smith said he plans to spend more time with his wife and family, and also expects to go on more fishing, hunting and camping trips.