(MURFREESBORO) Rutherford County moved a step closer to getting a Forensic Medical Center ui by receiving a Paul Coverdell National Forensic Science Grant of $170,676.
Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services’ Denise Martin said . . .
Martin is an attorney who is employed by the county medical service. She and Emergency Medical Services Director Carl Hudgens were on Wednesday’s (10/28/2020) WGNS Action Line radio broadcast.
Martin concluded . . .
When completed, County Medical Examiner Dr. Lorraine MacDonald will be able to examine bodies and collect toxicology specimens in a forensics room located at an ambulance station.
Hudgens said, "This allows Rutherford County to move closer to having a Forensic Medical Center here."
Earlier WGNS’ broadcasts had Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron, showing a need a forensic medical center to be located here, possibly tied with Middle Tennessee State University.
With Rutherford County's population estimated to now being over 360,000 persons, there are less than 10 morgue drawers in the entire county. Neighboring Davidson County has approximately 50 drawers, but they have to serve all mid-state counties.
Middle Tennessee State University also received a Paul Coverdell National Forensic Science Grant to develop ways that lead to more accurate, reliable, cost-effective and rapid methods of analyzing physical evidence. The grant awarded to MTSU was for $285, 229.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice awarding such grants.
