LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— We begin with a new Luzerne County Coroner and it's not the first time he's made news in NEPA.
He's a former local police officer was once on the wrong side of the law, but now says he's ready to turn the page.
Dion Fernandes was appointed Luzerne County Coroner Friday afternoon.
He's a former Pittston City Police Officer and current president of a local funeral home.
Fernandes says stepping into this position carries out a similar role he has fulfilled for decades of his life.
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Dion Fernandes, of Hughestown works in this office at West Pittston's Howell-Lussi Funeral Home incorporated almost everyday.
"Nothing appeases me more than being there for people at their worst time," expressed Fernandes.
Fernandes has been employed at the funeral home for 18 years, serving as president the last five.
On Friday afternoon, his duties doubled.
Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo appointed Fernandes Luzerne County Coroner to replace Jill Matthews who resigned in January.
"I feel honored and I'm excited to begin a new chapter and a new journey. They can count on me and they will see that when I get into that office and we begin to work," commented Fernandes.
Fernandes wants to assure his community he's here for them, especially after what happened five years ago.
Fernandes was a pittston city police officer for nearly 14 years beginning in 2007.
He was fired in October of 2020 for slashing the tires of several vehicles on Main Street in Pittston after being cut off from a bar.
In November, Fernandes pled guilty to three misdemeanor and two summary counts of Criminal Mischief.
"I was highly intoxicated when that happened and for several years prior to that I had a substance abuse problem with alcohol," explained Fernandes.
Following the incident, Fernandes checked himself into a recovery center in the Poconos and has since had more than four years of sobriety.
Crocamo in her statement to Luzerne County Council Members said in part:
In this vital role, Mr. Fernandes will oversee the investigation of various types of deaths, ensuring that each case is handled with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity. We are confident that he will lead the coroner's office with integrity and empathy.
Romilda Crocamo, Luzerne county manager
Fernandes says he'll use the skills he learned as a police officer and as a funeral home president into his new position.
"I will persevere like I have the last four and a half years and I'd like to take the office to a different level," said Fernandes.
Fernandes says he hopes to use his new position to bring drug and alcohol awareness programs to local classrooms.
He encourages anyone with addiction to alcohol and or drugs reach out and receive the proper and professional help they need.
