State Fire Marshal Recognizes Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for Excellence, Commitment to Public Service

Cleveland, Ohio - The Ohio Department of CommerceDivision of State Fire Marshal presented the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office today with a Certificate of Recognition for its exemplary partnership, educational training leadership, and dedication to public service.

State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon and Chief Deputy Richard Sluder presented the certificate to Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson and his team at the Office's location in Cleveland in recognition of the critical role they play in educating and working with fire investigators in northeast Ohio.

"It's important to us that great work doesn't go unnoticed," said Marshal Reardon. "Dr. Gilson and his team have been instrumental in assisting our investigators in countless fire investigations throughout northeast Ohio, allowing us to bring many of these cases to a close. Their commitment and tireless work is making a difference throughout the region. Their entire team should be applauded."

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office is responsible for investigating violent, suspicious, and sudden and unexpected deaths, and also provides laboratory services. Since 2014, the Office has offered training related to death investigations, during which time they have trained more than 500 investigators, first responders, and other public safety personnel.

"The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office is deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Division of the State Fire Marshal," said Dr. Gilson. "We appreciate the ongoing collaborative support from the Fire Marshal's Office, upon which we rely in our investigations involving fire fatalities. Our shared interest in preventing fire deaths is important year-round, but especially as we into the winter months when fire deaths are known to increase. On behalf of our county and Executive Ronayne, we offer our sincerest thanks for this recognition!"

The Division of State Fire Marshal expresses its gratitude to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office for its commitment and dedication.

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The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.