Contributed

J. Aaron Ellison, the current Chilton County Coroner, has qualified for re-election. Now entering his fourth year of service to the people of Chilton County as coroner, Ellison believes experience matters in the position; the kind of experience that comes from doing the job.

“There’s no learning curve for me,” Ellison said. “Truth be told, the average person wouldn’t want to know the details of the things the coroner’s office deals with. There are images of things we see and experience that no one should have to know.

“This office deals with the protocols and trauma surrounding untimely deaths. We cooperate with local law enforcement as well as state and federal agencies, including the state forensic science department for investigation purposes. People have an idea of what the coroner does. But until you’ve actually been in the position, it’s hard to really understand what the job requires”

Ellison said the coroner’s position in Chilton County requires day and night availability, whether standing in driving rain storms, freezing temperatures at accident scenes or searing heat at the site of an accidental death.

“The coroner has to be prepared for the rigors of the office,” Ellison said. “We quickly respond to the scene regardless of the time of day, weather conditions, or the site of death. It can make for long days and sleepless nights, but, it is fulfilling to know that my office can help families through difficult times while assisting local, state, and federal agencies to do their jobs efficiently as well. As coroner, my greatest responsibility is to come alongside both loved ones of the deceased and the agencies involved to help make the situation easier for everyone.”

Ellison is also the owner of Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton. Ellison grew up in the Union Grove Community of Chilton County. He is a graduate of Jemison High School and the Jefferson State Community College Mortuary Science program.

He has served in the funeral industry for more than 15 years. He has countless hours of continuing education through the coroner’s office as well as through the National Funeral Directors Association and Alabama Funeral Directors Association. He and his wife Tracy have been married since 2016. Ellison has three children: Aaden, Jace, and Coven. He and his wife are currently expecting another child.