Millennium Magazine_2ndEd

A Marquis Who's Who Magazine 219 W ith more than 44 years of experience as coroner, Jeff Lair is highly regarded as one of the first individuals to have been certified by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. His breadth of experience is evident in his understanding of the way the discipline has evolved over time, especially with respect to advances in technology. Naturally, Mr. Lair is a strong proponent of DNA testing, which has drastically changed the ways in which crimes are solved. Given his career success, it may be surprising to note that Mr. Lair did not always intend to work in the field. He initially hoped to become a state trooper, but met many obstacles along the way. Not to be deterred by a stroke of misfortune, he chose to accept a job with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, where he gained experience in dispatch and subsequently assumed the title of deputy. Mr. Lair then relocated to Jacksonville, Illinois, and accepted a position as an EMT. After working directly with the coroner, he became deputy coroner and eventually chose to run for office. Since assuming the role of coroner with Morgan County in 1984, he has continued to win every election without opposition. With the end of his latest term fast approaching, Mr. Lair is currently mulling over the thought of retirement. Prior to running for office, Mr. Lair worked as a paramedic and emergency room technician for 26 years. In addition to receiving significant medical training from doctors, he also pursued studies as an investigator. Throughout his career, he was credited with discovering several homicides that were initially overlooked by police. Mr. Lair takes great pride in his work and finds fulfillment in sharing his knowledge with others. He has been a security officer with the Memorial Medical Center since 2012 and owner of Lair Death Investigations since 1996, and was previously recognized as president of MADD, through which he would speak about the bodily consequences of drunk driving. A co-founder of an underwater search and recovery dive team, he has also served as a coordinator for entomology classes for police investigations. JEFF LAIR CORONER Morgan County Coroner Jacksonville, IL