SCOTT COUNTY, Indiana (WAVE/Gray News) – While most eyes in early November were on the presidential election, other positions in Scott County, Indiana, on school boards, city council and others seats have been filled.

This also includes the new coroner elected by Scott County residents, but his story is a little different.

Bryton Ritchey is a 2024 high school graduate and firefighter, but the most recent title he added to his resume isn’t one people are rushing for.

It’s a job that someone has to do, and for Ritchey, there was no one better than him.

At 19, Ritchey is the county’s youngest coroner.

“I was sitting on the school bus and a local official asked me. They knew I worked at the funeral home, knew I had a few years in public safety and asked me if I would be interested in serving as coroner,” Ritchey said. “When I had the opportunity to be able to take this opportunity and serve the community, I was all for it.”

Ritchey worked at a funeral home during his final months of high school; it was there that his interest was piqued. He filed paperwork with the Scott County commissioner, officially launching his candidacy just before his graduation.

Shortly after graduating, Ritchey was watching the primary elections unfold.

“I didn’t know exactly what to expect,” he recalls. “I knew I was young, so I thought it might set me back a little.”

His age didn’t stop him. Ritchey won the primary to advance to the November general election, where he ran unopposed.

Now, as elected coroner, Ritchey’s first task is to complete the necessary training and recruit his deputy.

“I’ve talked to a lot of people and had contact with and they would like to help,” Ritchey said.

According to the Indiana State Coroner Training Board, to become a coroner, a person must live in the county they plan to serve and complete 40 hours of training in the state.

“There are courses on forensic medicine. You can also go deeper and take classes voluntarily,” Ritchey explained.

As coroner, Ritchey will investigate the cause of death, whether homicide, accident or natural causes. This is not something most 19 year olds do.

“Whenever I have to investigate or speak to someone after the death of a loved one, I want to offer them the best professionalism and comfort,” he said.

Ritchey’s term is four years. During this period, he will remain full-time with the fire department for which he works.

After his term, Ritchey said he may decide to run again for coroner or consider running for another elected office.

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