Terry Norman officially announced his candidacy for Columbia County Coroner at the Harlem City Council’s January meeting Monday evening.
“I just want to be able to be there for the families,” said Norman about his decision to seek the office. “Show them some respect, while being able to show their deceased dignity at the same time, and then be there for whatever else they may need.”
The 26-year law enforcement veteran first announced his intention to run for the position last October. Norman requested the councilmembers’ support amid his objective to serve the county as coroner after his imminent retirement from the Richmond County Marshal’s Office.
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“I’ll potentially be the one going to the door, announcing or telling [people] something that’s probably going to be the worst day of their lives,” he said, noting he would even offer to pray with the bereaved. “I know everyone won’t accept that, but for the ones that do, I want to pray for them right there on the spot, and then be able to just continue to do the job that I need to do as coroner.”
The council also presented a certificate of appreciation to former lawmaker Barry Fleming, honoring his years of service to the city. Sworn in as Columbia County Superior Court Judge on Jan. 10, Fleming, alongside serving in the District 125 seat of the Georgia House of Representatives, was Harlem’s city attorney since 2004. Former Columbia County Commissioner Gary Richardson, who is currently seeking Fleming’s seat was present at the meeting to congratulate him.
The council also, during the meeting, voted to adopt the Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan —which entails modifications to public areas for greater access for disabled persons, to approve new medical protocols and EMT training from Columbia County Fire Rescue for the city’s fire department, and to amend term limits for members of the Historic Preservation Commission from two consecutive two-year terms to unlimited consecutive terms.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
