59.40 (2) (o), execute the same in like manner as the sheriff might do in other cases; exercise the same powers and proceed in the same manner as prescribed for sheriffs in the performance of similar duties; and in all cases the coroner and the coroner’s sureties shall be liable in the same manner and to the same extent on the coroner’s official bonds as sheriffs and their sureties are liable in similar cases. (d) Perform all other duties that are required by law. (e) Act as coroner in another county when requested to do so. (2) CORONER, MEDICAL EXAMINER; COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER OFFICES. (a) Notwithstanding s. 979.04 (3) and except as provided in par. (b), any person holding office under sub. (1) may also serve as an emergency medical services practitioner, emergency medical responder, or fire fighter. (b) 1. No person serving as a coroner or medical examiner, or deputy coroner or medical examiner’s assistant, who also serves as an emergency medical services practitioner, emergency medical responder, or a fire fighter may participate as a coroner or medical examiner, or deputy coroner or medical examiner’s assistant, in any case in which he or she may be required to participate as an emergency medical services practitioner, emergency medical responder, or fire fighter. If an apparent or actual conflict of interest arises between the person’s duties as coroner or medical examiner and as emergency medical services practitioner, emergency medical responder, or fire fighter, the deputy coroner or medical examiner’s assistant shall act as coroner or medical examiner in the case in which the conflict exists. If an apparent or actual conflict of interest arises between the person’s duties as deputy coroner or medical examiner’s assistant and as emergency medical services practitioner, emergency medical responder, or fire fighter, a coroner or another deputy coroner, or a medical examiner or another medical examiner’s assistant shall act as coroner or medical examiner in the case in which the conflict exists. If there is no coroner, deputy coroner, medical examiner, or medical examiner’s assistant available who may act without an apparent or actual conflict of interest, the coroner or medical examiner shall request that the coroner, medical examiner, deputy coroner, or a medical examiner’s assistant in another county act as coroner or medical examiner in the case in which the conflict exists. Any fees owed to or expenses incurred by the acting coroner or medical examiner from the other county shall be paid by the county that requested the acting coroner’s or medical examiner’s services. 2. If a person serving as coroner under sub. (1) is required to exercise the powers and duties of sheriff under sub. (1) (b), the deputy coroner shall act as coroner or, if there is no deputy coroner, the coroner shall request under the procedures in subd. 1. that
May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26)
25
Updated 23-24 Wis. Stats.
another person act as coroner until the coroner is no longer exercising the powers and duties of sheriff. History: 1973 c. 272; 1983 a. 146, 279, 538; 1989 a. 31, 268, 359; 1991 a. 316; 1995 a. 201 ss. 296 to 299; 1997 a. 35; 1999 a. 56; 2005 a. 127; 2017 a. 12; 2017 a. 207 s. 5. A county board in a county under 500,000 [now 750,000] can abolish the elective office of coroner and implement a medical examiner system to be effective at the end of the incumbent coroner’s term. 63 Atty. Gen. 361. A medical examiner should be a qualified expert in pathology. 69 Atty. Gen. 44. Appointment of a law enforcement officer as an assistant medical examiner creates an impermissible conflict between the offices. 75 Atty. Gen. 28.