“Charleston Coroner’s Race”

Today, we had the privilege of having the three candidates for the Charleston County Coroner’s office speak to us and share their ideas and strategies for the office. Rae Wooten and Bubba Dunlap will face-off in the June 10th primary to determine who will be the Republican candidate in the November election. Henry Middleton, unopposed in the primary, will be the Democratic candidate in the November election, also shared his ideas.

Based on their comments, it was clear that each candidate brings a wealth of experience with their unique perspectives and desires to not just determine the manner and cause of death, but to also serve the families of victims.

Bubba Dunlap, who is challenging the incumbent Ray Wooten, led off and shared his experience, as well as, his desire to serve as the Coroner. His experience began with the fire department and includes EMS District Supervisor and Deputy Coroner for Charleston County. He has a degree in Criminal Justice and is a Registered Nurse working in the East Cooper Emergency Room. His experience helps him provide compassionate support and demonstrates his commitment to public service.

Rae Wooten is the current Charleston County Coroner and joined the office in 1995. She is also a Registered Nurse and was appointed Coroner in 1996 by the Governor to fill Susan Chewning’s unexpired term. Rae is heavily involved in Master Disaster Planning on a regional basis and currently manages $1 million budget, but she says it’s much more than dollars and even creating ways to get more value from each dollar, it’s about providing the compassion and support to families of victims at this very difficult time.

Henry Middleton grew up in Berkeley County, received a degree in Biology from Morris College and has been involved in various aspects of criminal investigations. He spent 19 years with Charleston County Medical Examiner’s Office and was Deputy Coroner from 1996 to 1997. He is currently a Crime Scene Technician and has seen death through the eyes of a Coroner, as well as, the police department. He strongly believes in a team approach utilizing Police and first responders to assist the Coroners office to gather more, accurate information beginning at the crime scene itself.

We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to hear from these talented, dedicated Public Servants.

Reported by Wayne Outlaw Keyway Committee