Brewster, Compton vying for coroner

Editor’s note: This is the first in our series of stories looking at the local candidates and issues for the Nov. 8 general election. Stories will remain available by clicking "election" on our website at www.thecr.com. Early voting begins Oct. 12.

A pair of Portland residents with backgrounds in law enforcement are vying to become Jay County’s new coroner.
Republican Michael Brewster, a Portland police officer, and Democrat Curt Compton, the Jay County prosecutor’s office investigator, are seeking to add the title to their duties. One of them will take over for incumbent Jason White, who Brewster defeated in the Republican primary.
Brewster graduated from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 2004 and serves with Portland Police Department as a D.A.R.E. and school resource officer. A 1998 graduate of Jay County High School, he went on to earn an associate’s degree in law enforcement from Vincennes University. He is a former two-term Portland city councilman and chairman of Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition.
Compton is a 1981 graduate of Jay County High School who also graduated from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, in 1989. He has earned several other certifications over his career, including taking the advanced examiners course through the National Institute for Truth Verification in 2000.
He has served as the prosecutor’s office investigator since 1987.
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What do you see as the most important traits a coroner should have?
Brewster: Experience, dedication and compassion to perform the job. I do have the experience, personality and understanding of what the job entails. Also, I have the emotional integrity and on-scene experience to perform the duties as coroner. In order to be a public servant you have to be approachable and be sensitive to families who just lost a loved one and show patience.
Compton: The ability to communicate with a grieving family. Most of the time, the coroner will be notified by law enforcement when there has been some type of tragedy, an accident or unexpected death. Emotions will be high and the coroner must be able to explain the process that is about to occur in a sensitive way. I want to ensure that the families that have recently lost a loved one are treated with compassion and respect, and receive answers that they are entitled to. I have been working with victims of crime and their families since 1987.
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What would you do to improve the Jay County coroner’s office?
Brewster: I will bring professionalism and compassion. It’s a difficult job to tell a loved one or family member that a loved one has passed. I will work with multiple agencies to ensure that all investigations are done in a professional and timely manner.
Compton: Communities and coordination. I see the need for better communication among investigative agencies. Given the sensitive nature of death investigations, all news releases should be a coordinated effort. This ensures that accurate information is released that will not damage the investigation and will protect the victim’s rights. If need be, the Jay County Major Crime United will be utilized. The major crime unit is made up of investigators of all local police agencies and the corner’s office. Our mission is to coordinate and investigate each case in the most professional, thorough and concise manor.
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Why should residents of Jay County vote for you?
Brewster: I will bring my 13 years as a police officer and D.A.R.E./school resource officer, which have allowed me to work with multiple agencies in Jay County. I have the government experience which has allowed me the knowledge required to understand local government. I have the personality and compassion to understand the needs of the citizens of Jay County. But, most importantly I have wanted to hold this position for a long time and I want to be your next coroner of Jay County.
Compton: Experience and dedication. Over the last 29-plus years, I have worked for both Democrat and Republican prosecutors. I am still here because of the job I do, not party affiliations. I’ve been involved in every criminal death investigation since 1987. Other positions I hold are: team coordinator for Jay County Major Crime Unit, president of Jay County Child Protection Team and a member of the Region 7 Child Fatality Team. This team reviews all child deaths in a five-county region. As a lifelong Jay County resident, I am looking forward to serving the people for many more years.