Candidate Profile-Debbie Wilkey

Birthdate:  January, 1954

Profession:  Deputy Coroner; Forensic Anthropologist;  Emergency/Critical Care/Forensic Nurse; Educator

Educational Background:  Master’s in Forensic Anthropology, Bachelor of Science, Assoc. Science (RN); P.O.S.T. Certification in Law Enforcement.  (Additionally, 30+ years of national certification/education in Emergency/Critical Care, medico-legal death investigation, forensics, nursing, advocacy, business, supervision, public health). Pursuing a Doctorate.

Public Service:  Worked as a public servant from 1972-1980 as a Law Enforcement officer; served 6 years in the Coroner’s Office. Additionally I have served the public as a (BS) RN for 21 years.

Community  Service: Served as  a Secretary/member of Bannock County  & Idaho Peace Officers Association;  Pocatello Police Wife’s Auxiliary (Secretary);  appointed “Adopt-A-Cop” for Tyhee Elementary School;  President of North ID College Student Nursing Program;  National Delegate  to Student Nursing Convention; Ran for Vice President of North ID College Student Body (lost by six votes);  Secretary for Emergency Nurses Association ( CDA Chapter);  SANE RN representative  Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) (CDA); Chair, Sexual Assault Sub-committee, NI Coalition Against DV/SA;  Volunteer (medical) for Ironman, and CDA Triathlon;  Co-Sponsor/Festival of Trees (4 years);  Volunteer numerous Kootenai Health clinics (e.g., TeddyBear Clinics, blood pressure screenings;  child safety seats).  Current member of International Assoc. of Forensic Nurses (Death Investigation and SANE councils); Emergency Nurses Assoc.

Years of Residency:  25 years residing in CDA (Hayden); 56 years in IDAHO.  Although originally from Pocatello, my grandparents resided in Post Falls and so CDA has always been a 2nd home.

Marital Status:  Single (relationship)

Family: Two grown children: Daughter - Andrea; son, Jackson. (And beloved Lab, Cobe).

Hobbies: Fly-fishing; family time; participating in historical/archaeological excavations (bones!!); outdoor activities; reading.

    Why are you running for office?

    Few things in our society are as important as ensuring that citizens have confidence in their institutions.  For me, as for many individuals, the death of a loved one has been just such a crisis.    These events are life changing for families, and so when they lack critical information, proper investigation, follow up or compassion, they become devastating. After two such instances with family members, I committed to advocate for change in this area.

    What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face?

    Two major issues are intertwined. First, the coroner makes inquiry into deaths that are of unusual circumstances. This is always done through collaboration with Law enforcement and other agencies in scene investigation. Most times an autopsy is employed to find cause and manner of death.  We must always be unbiased and objective and utilize autopsies when warranted.  However, it is difficult to budget for autopsies. 

    What steps will you take to resolve these issues?

    I am confident my advanced education, background and experience ensure competency in completing most death certificates as is required by state law.  However, that proficiency requires continued training and education to meet current standards for proficient medico-legal death investigation (national certification).  I can employ the use of grants for training in much the same fashion as when I introduced the SANE specialty to community agencies. Also, webinars (via computer) are very accessible and cost effective. And, our community has some very talented, experienced individuals we can access to provide in-services/education. However, truly budgeting for autopsies is difficult and can vary greatly.  Trends utilized by the current Coroner can be continued.  The need is for open dialogue with those agencies involved in death and investigation locally and statewide. When all issues are on the table and subtle nuances understood, certain applicable (ethical) avenues can be explored (3-5 year projection for our county and region).

    What specific skills or experience qualifies you for this job?

    Extensive experience/certification in Emergency & Critical Care dealing with all manner and types of deaths (21years), families, legal forms, funeral homes, EMS, Coroner & Medical Examiner, MD’s// Deputy Coroner, Death Investigator(6yrs) //POST certified L.E. officer with experience in death notification, investigation (8 yrs) // Forensic Nurse(14 yrs) //Forensic Anthropologist(3yrs)// Advocacy Program Mgr // Jr college instructor //Supervisor, Program Director// Pursuing a doctorate// 30+ years continuing education and lecturing in all areas listed.

    Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?

    I’m the only candidate with ALL of the necessary advanced medical - legal credentials, education, training and supervisory experience in place before taking office. The Office responsibilities and my commitment are fulltime. I will have no other job(s) before that commitment. My experience and understanding of other agencies responsibilities related to death is invaluable. I’ll be a proactive agent/resource/educator for families and community. I’ll hold myself to the highest ethical standards, always acting as a voice for those who can no longer speak for themselves.