The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and Forensic Center has recently received a grant of $409,500 from the Department of Justice’s Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program.

This funding will be used to purchase, install, and maintain a GE VCT 64-slice Post Mortem CT scanner, as well as cover training, software costs, and two years of maintenance.

The scanner will enhance the quality of forensic services provided by the office.

“Bringing this technology to Lehigh County demonstrates that the coroner’s office is continually moving forward,” said Coroner Dan Buglio.

Integrating the post mortem CT scanner will improve case management and help determine the scope of autopsy examinations, whether an internal or external examination is necessary. It will also document injuries and the locations of projectiles, and allow the office to honor families’ requests for no internal examination when preferred.

The scanner is a valuable tool that offers insights beyond a standard internal examination. It aids in determining the cause and manner of death, provides documentation for court proceedings, eliminates the need for traditional radiographs, and preserves forensic findings for further review and study.

The images produced can be utilized to train forensic pathologists and educate others about the nature and extent of injuries and disease processes. Additionally, these studies can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of emergency resuscitation efforts.

Buglio said, “This is the third attempt by my Chief Deputy Coroner, Richard Pender, to secure this grant funding, and this time he truly excelled. Rick was determined and worked tirelessly to achieve this successful outcome.”