Trumbull coroner recognized for statewide honor

Staff report

WARREN

The Trumbull County commissioners recently congratulated Trumbull County’s coroner, Dr. Humphrey Germaniuk, for receiving the highest award given by the Ohio State Coroner’s Association.

“We’re very honored to have someone of the caliber of Dr. Germaniuk, and he’s saved us a lot of money,” Commissioner Dan Polivka said.

“He’s well known throughout the country, throughout the world,” Commissioner Frank Fuda said.

Dr. Germaniuk, who has been the county’s forensic pathologist for 18 years and coroner for nearly seven years, received the Samuel Gerber Award at a banquet in May in Columbus.

Dr. Germaniuk was chosen “for his long-standing service to the Ohio State Coroner’s Assocation as a 10-year member of both the legislative and education committees and four-year member of the board of directors,” according to the commissioners’ resolution.

In addition to his role as forensic pathologist and coroner, Dr. Germaniuk has served as consultant to James Patterson, a best-selling novelist, by making sure the books are scientifically sound. Dr. Germaniuk also served as forensic pathologist in Washington, D.C., before coming to Trumbull County.

He has lectured at annual conferences for more than 17 years and has received numerous other awards, the commissioners noted.

“Dr. Germaniuk’s main drive is serving and teaching – instructing others regarding the importance of quality death investigation,” the commissioners said.

Dr. Germaniuk said his office has “one of the fastest turn-around times in the state – generally 24 hours from the time it hits the door. We are as thorough and efficient as possible.”