DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 7, 2007 DHSS-96-2007 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DR. RICHARD T. CALLERY REAPPOINTED AS DE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER
Wilmington - Dr. Richard T. Callery has been reappointed Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware by Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary, Delaware Health and Social Services. Dr. Callery has been Chief Medical Examiner since 1997 when first appointed during the Carper administration.
"Dr. Callery was reappointed because of the outstanding abilities he has shown as Chief Medical Examiner, and the extensive accomplishments he has made during his tenure," explained Vince Meconi.
According to Governor Ruth Ann Minner, "Dr. Callery's reappointment ensures that Delaware remains one of the leading medical examiner systems in the United States. In addition, he has the highest respect among his colleagues locally and nationally."
"The sudden or unexplained death of an individual has a profound impact on families and friends of the deceased and places significant responsibility on the agencies tasked with determining the cause of death," explained Dr. Callery. "My goal is to maintain the Office's reputation and help the office continue to meet the new challenges that face Delaware's evolving investigative forensic needs."
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates human deaths caused by violence, suicide, or casualty; sudden death in an apparently healthy individual; and deaths that involve any suspicious or unusual manner. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also oversees the Histology, Toxicology, Controlled Substances, DNA and Arson Units. Staff of the OCME works closely with law enforcement agencies, and are often called to testify in criminal cases.
"Partnership with a professional, efficient Office of the State Medical Examiner is vital to our success in Delaware law enforcement," said Colonel Thomas F. Mac Leish Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. "The reappointment of Dr. Richard Callery to as Delaware's Chief Medical Examiner is an excellent one that will continue the proud tradition of this important agency. Dr. Callery's professional background, experience and national reputation make him perfectly suited for this position.
"The professional, detailed and comprehensive forensic reports prepared by the medical and support staff assigned to the statewide drug testing laboratory provide police and prosecutors with precise pathology information crucial to solving crime and assisting victims' families to obtain closure," said Colonel Rick Gregory, Chief of Police, New Castle County.
"I am extremely pleased of the work spearheaded by Dr. Richard T. Callery and the entire staff of the Medical Examiner's Office" said Delaware State Fire Marshall Grover Ingle. Delaware's Medical Examiner's Office and Arson Unit is a national leader when it comes to excellence in state-of-the art testing procedures and services."
Dr. Callery's reappointment puts him at the helm of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) for an additional ten years. Some of Dr. Callery's accomplishments during his first ten years include:
- Added Mitochondrial DNA testing. In addition to the FBI Crime Lab, only a few private laboratories and a handful of government labs are equipped to conduct the procedure.
- Received ISO 17025 accreditation by Forensic Quality Services-International (FQS-I) The Controlled Substances Laboratory successfully. Delaware's lab is one of a handful of laboratories in the nation to achieve accreditation under the ISO 17025 standards.
- Received national accreditation from the National Association of State Medical Examiners which recognizes the high standards and results accomplished by the State Medical Examiner's Office and the forensic laboratory in determining cause and manner of death in complex investigations involving forensic, toxicological and pathology test procedures. OCME is one of just 52 other medico legal death investigation systems/jurisdictions in the country that holds this accreditation.
- Met the growing demands of southern Delaware, by opening a new southern office of the Chief Medical Examiner Building in honor of a woman to whom the state of Delaware is truly grateful for her lifetime of service - Dr. Judith G. Tobin.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
