McHenry County sheriff to serve as interim coroner

McHenry County Sheriff Bill Prim will serve as interim coroner until a new person is appointed to the role.

McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks said he will declare at the April 16 County Board meeting that a vacancy exists for the position, which former McHenry County Coroner Anne Majewski resigned from March 23.

Franks will have 60 days after the declaration is made to name a potential replacement that the board can vote on.

Prim has agreed to serve as interim coroner until decisions are made on what the best way forward is for the coroner’s office, Franks said, adding that David Devane, the sheriff’s office’s chief administration officer, will be helping Prim.

“We’re very appreciative,” Franks said.

Franks said he will take this vacancy period to gain an idea of how the coroner’s office is running and, if necessary, explore other options to improve efficiency.

“This gives us the opportunity to stay on course or decide whether we should try something different,” Franks said.

McHenry County Sheriff’s Deputy Sandra Rogers said the sheriff’s office will not be relying on any other coroner’s offices for assistance during the process, and officials do not anticipate any reduction in services.

Majewski submitted her resignation in February to address ongoing health complications related to cancer treatment. She was elected coroner in 2012 and won re-election in 2016. Her current term was set to expire in 2020.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of McHenry County,” Majewski said in her resignation letter. “I have been blessed to have witnessed the resilience and hopefulness of families who have lost loved ones, to have worked with dedicated professionals both here at the Government Center and across McHenry County, and to have had the opportunity to meet so many McHenry County citizens, young and old, at presentations and seminars.”

The newly appointed coroner’s term would run through November 2020.

Majewski said in her resignation letter that she “would assist with the changeover, once my successor is chosen, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition of leadership.”

The County Board will meet at 7 p.m. April 16 at the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.