XENIA — John Turner, had been looking forward to Feb. 1 for a long time.
After spending 10 years with the Greene County Coroner’s Office, Turner, the chief investigator, is ready for a change of scene.
“I’m looking forward to doing some travel, hanging out with the grandkids, and working on family projects,” said Turner, who still resides in Beavercreek after working for the police department there for 35 years, the last five years as chief.
Turner’s friends from across the hall will miss seeing him and his smiling face around the Sheriff’s Office.
“John is a great friend and mentor to many of us in law enforcement,” said Sheriff Scott Anger. “He has had a stellar career in law enforcement spanning over four decades and including being the chief of police in Beavercreek before working for the coroner’s office. We will miss having John close by and getting the opportunity to talk with him on a regular basis.”
According to his boss, Turner’s engaging smile and caring manner have helped many traumatized families start to heal after learning of the unexpected death of a loved one. The coroner’s office investigates homicidal, occupational, suicidal, and sudden deaths. Ohio law requires the county coroner to investigate the cause, mode, and manor of the death.
“John brought a level of expertise that was really invaluable to us here,” said Coroner Dr. Kevin Sharrett. “He has a very calm and comforting disposition and lots of investigative experience. We were blessed to have him here for 10 years. We wish him nothing but the best.”
Sharrett presented Turner with a shadow box containing a plaque and a badge.
“Working with Dr. Sharrett has been a lot of fun,” Turner said. “Working with the fire and police departments, Sheriff’s Office, medical staff, etc., I’ve learned a lot.”
Now the retired chief investigator can enjoy all those basketball pick-up games he’s had to miss and of course, tinkering with his lawnmowers and tractors. His wife, Linda, two grown sons Thomas and Timothy, and three grandkids are looking forward to seeing him more — not to mention his twin brother Joe, who gets mistaken for him all the time.
