It is with great pleasure that I offer my endorsement of John Ackerman for the position of Westmoreland County coroner. My perspective is informed by a 26-year career as a Pennsylvania State Police trooper, during which I directed the Major Case Team for Westmoreland, Somerset, Indiana and Cambria counties.

In my professional judgment, Ackerman is uniquely qualified to lead the coroner’s office. As chief deputy coroner under the leadership of Ken Bacha, he was instrumental in establishing a standard of professionalism, integrity, compassion and transparency, which significantly enhanced victim services and investigative practices within Westmoreland County.

While his impressive list of qualifications can be easily accessed, I believe it is crucial to highlight that he is, above all, a dedicated professional, not a politician.

James Shaw

Hempfield