Longtime Columbia County Coroner Retiring
Columbia County officials have announced the retirement of longtime Coroner Vernon Collins.
Vernon Collins Retiring
County Manager Scott Johnson said he received a letter from Collins announcing he was stepping down after decades of service to the county.
“We would like to thank Mr. Collins for his many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Columbia County. He has faithfully served and devoted his life to office of the Coroner with professionalism, integrity and respect. Columbia County appreciated his service and wishes him the best in his retirement,” said Johnson.
A news release says according to state law, Probate Judge Alice Padgett will name a replacement to serve as the Interim Coroner for the remainder of Collins’ term. The Office of the Coroner will be on the ballot in the November 2014 General Election. Deputy Coroner’s and administrative staff will continue operations of the office until an Interim is chosen.
The 75-year-old Collins spent more than 30 years in the Coroner’s Office. He became a deputy coroner in 1990, then succeeded Tommy King Sr. when he died in 2006.
