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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler has been reappointed to the Georgia Coroner’s Training Council following a recommendation from Governor Brian Kemp, according to an announcement made on behalf of the Georgia Board of Public Safety.

Fowler says he is grateful for the continued confidence placed in him and remains committed to upholding high professional standards for coroners across the state.

“I am truly humbled and honored that Governor Brian Kemp has reconsidered and recommended my reappointment to the Georgia Coroner’s Training Council,” Fowler said. “Serving in this role is a responsibility I do not take lightly.”

The reappointment allows Fowler to continue working alongside other professionals to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of Georgia’s death investigation system. The Georgia Coroner’s Training Council plays a critical role in promoting professionalism, accountability, and consistency in death investigations statewide.

Many citizens may not realize that coroners and deputy coroners in Georgia must meet strict training and certification requirements before they are authorized to serve. The Council is responsible for overseeing those standards.

The Council is made up of five elected coroners, a licensed physician, and the superintendent of the Law Enforcement Operations and Investigations Section, or a designated representative. Together, the group establishes training policies, certification standards, and continuing education requirements for coroners throughout Georgia.

Among its duties, the Council approves training curricula, instructional hours, specialized courses, and instructor qualifications. It also determines whether elected or appointed coroners and deputy coroners meet requirements outlined in state law and issues certification to those who qualify.

The Council also has the authority to suspend or revoke certification when violations of state law occur. In cases where individuals perform coroner duties without proper certification, the Council may pursue legal action to ensure compliance and protect the integrity of the profession.

Through cooperation with state and local agencies, adoption of administrative rules, and ongoing oversight, the Georgia Coroner’s Training Council works to maintain public trust in the death investigation process.

“I remain committed to serving with integrity, accountability, and respect for the citizens of Georgia, and I am thankful for the opportunity to continue this important work,” Fowler said.

WALB’s Ashanti Drake will have more on this story in a later newscast.

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