Election 2023: Republican Charles Stockert For Bucks County Coroner

Candidates running in the Nov. 7 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —Charles Stockert is seeking election as a Republican for Bucks County Coroner in the Nov. 7 general election against Democrat Patti Campi, who defeated Bucks County Coroner Meredith Buck in the May 17 Democratic primary election.

The coroner's office is based in Warminster Township.

Biographical Information

Name: Charles R. Stockert

Age: 59

Town of Residence: Hilltown Township

Position Sought: Bucks County Coroner

Are You An Incumbent? No

What Towns Does Your Position Cover? All of Bucks County

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family: Wife Lori, two adult daughters Sydni and Savannah

Education: Pennridge High School diploma (1982); Law Enforcement PA Act 120 (1992); PA Coroner's Basic Education Course (2017); National Medicolegal Death Investigator Course
(2017), Advanced National Medicolegal Death Investigator Course (2019)

Occupation: Real estate investor

1. What are the top issues currently facing your position and how do you plan to address
them?

The top issue facing the coroner’s office is staffing. The number one priority will be recruiting qualified deputies and retaining them through a friendly and nurturing environment where they feel respected, and are important, and valued members of the team. The second issue is improving the level of service that the coroner’s office provides to law enforcement, first responders, funeral directors, and most importantly, the families of the deceased.

2. Identify specific goals or ideas you have to enhance life in your position:

First and foremost, I will work to obtain national accreditation for the coroner’s office within two years of taking office. Accreditation shows a commitment to providing the highest level of
service and professionalism to the citizens of Bucks County. Currently, there are five Coroner’s
Offices in Pennsylvania that are nationally accredited. Secondly, significant research has found that implementing a K9 program can be very beneficial to law enforcement, coroner staff, and most importantly, the residents of Bucks County. This program would consist of a K9 that is specially trained as a cadaver dog but also be cross-trained as an emotional support/ therapy dog for staff and to comfort grieving family members.

3. What in your experience or background prepares you for election to the office?
I have more than 43 years of public service experience that I can apply to the role of Coroner for the citizens of Bucks County. I started my first responder journey as a junior firefighter and worked my way up to fire chief. I have served multiple organizations as an Emergency Medical
Technician and Vehicle Rescue Technician. I have served as a police officer and as a Deputy
Coroner in The Bucks County Coroner’s Office. I have had the honor of working for three funeral
homes as a mortuary assistant where I have had the opportunity to provide many families with
compassionate care and grief management. I believe that my extensive and diverse background
in emergency services, law enforcement, and mortuary services has prepared me for election to
the office of Bucks County Coroner.