Patti Canupp: A Dedicated Servant Running for Laurens County Coroner
February 6, 2024
In the upcoming election for Laurens County Coroner, Patti Canupp who is currently serving as Chief Deputy Coroner (since 2020) emerges as a strong candidate with a profound commitment to serving the community. With a rich educational background and extensive experience in emergency services, Canupp is prepared to lead the coroner’s office.
Educational Background:
Canupp’s educational timeline includes graduating from Clinton High School, attending Piedmont Technical College, and pursuing further education at Greenville Tech. Her commitment to staying informed and well-trained reflects her understanding of the evolving nature of her role as a coroner.
Vocational Background:
Canupp’s vocational background is marked by a diverse set of skills and experiences. Having joined the Laurens County Coroner’s Office in 2018, she underwent Basic and Advanced Coroners Training, a mandatory requirement for both the Coroner and Deputy Coroners. Her membership in the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators and recent invitation to the National Center on Forensics in Manassas, Virginia, showcases her dedication to staying at the forefront of her field.
Canupp’s extensive experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) since 1998, coupled with certifications from the South Carolina Fire Academy and FEMA, provides her with a unique perspective on handling emergencies. As a current member of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, Canupp has positioned herself within a network dedicated to the highest standards in the field.
Background and Community Involvement:
Canupp was born and raised in Joanna, SC, and has been a resident of Laurens since 2000. Her deep roots in the community and long-standing commitment make her uniquely attuned to the needs of Laurens County residents.
“In Laurens County, I found not just a home but a community that deserves dedicated and compassionate service. My roots run deep here, and I am committed to giving back to the people who have entrusted me with this responsibility,” says Patti Canupp.
In addition to her professional commitments, Patti is actively involved in community projects like “Clean Up Laurens County” and advocates for senior citizen safety. She expresses her commitment to educating the community on the effects of drinking and driving and drug overdoses.
Why Canupp Wants to be the Coroner:
Canupp has discovered her passion for serving the community through her role in the Laurens County Coroner’s Office. Her love for the county and its citizens motivates her to step up as a leader. She emphasizes that her familiarity with many calls stems from her time working in Laurens County, knowing them through friends, family, and her career.
What She Brings to the Coroner’s Office:
If elected, Patti Cannup pledges to bring a spirit of teamwork to the coroner’s office. Monthly meetings, bi-annual performance reviews, and her personal availability for call-outs and deputy support highlight her commitment to fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
Canupp emphasizes the importance of working alongside the County Council to ensure the coroner’s office has the necessary resources. Daily operations include various tasks such as coordinating funeral arrangements, preparing death certificates, and working with outside agencies in cases of specific deaths.
Learnings from Deputy Coroner Experience:
Patti served Laurens County as the Deputy Coroner from 2018 – 2020 before being promoted to Chief Deputy Coroner in 2020. She acknowledges the invaluable experience gained while working as a Deputy Coroner under Nick Nichols. Patti notes Nick’s compassion for families and work ethics, providing a solid foundation for her leadership style.
Challenges of the Job:
Making notifications to families is cited as the most challenging aspect of the job for Canupp. Meeting with families to return personal belongings and offering comfort during a difficult time is a crucial part of her role.
If elected, Canupp aims to create a team atmosphere, provide regular employee reviews, maintain an open-door policy, and prioritize continuous improvement training for her team.
Patti Canupp’s candidacy for Laurens County Coroner brings a refreshing blend of experience, dedication, and a genuine passion for serving the community. As she steps forward, she envisions a coroner’s office that not only fulfills its responsibilities but actively contributes to the well-being of Laurens County residents.
