HAMILTON COUNTY — Death scenes can be traumatic for families, friends and sometimes staff at the Hamilton County Coroner's Office.
Now, the office has a new team member to support employees.
Simon is an 11-month-old boxer. He's working with his owner, Deputy Coroner Sarah Lockhart, to provide comfort and smiles to employees.
"It can be really, really hard. We see some things that, you know, people shouldn't have to see or deal with. We're also having to help the families through it and the friends who have these loved ones that pass away. It can be very difficult," Lockhart said.
Lockhart plans to get Simon certified as a therapy dog so he can greet families visiting the coroner's office and, if the situation is right, go to scenes.
"He's had a great response at the office. Everyone loves him. They all come out and play ball with him," Lockhart said. "It gives us something to do when we get back ... just kinda brightens our day."
Simon is Lockhart's dog, and she pays for his daily care and training.
"He starts getting amped up when I get ready for work. He knows, he's got kind of an internal clock," Lockhart said.
Simon has been with the coroner's office for about a month. In the future, Lockhart also wants to bring Simon to help other first responders like fire and EMS.
-
Expert insight on prolonged pollen seasons and allergy relief throughout Spring
With rising temperatures indicating a change in climate, local health experts warn that it may be more than just a seasonal nuisance.
The Willow Center teams with Hendricks County Jail for an inmate reentry program
The reentry program provides two dedicated “Recovery Pods” for men and women. They create a separate, supportive environment focused on recovery, healing, and growth.
What the balanced budget is costing local health departments and organizations
A balanced state budget is headed to Indiana Governor Mike Braun's desk after lawmakers ended the 2025 session early Friday morning. Balancing the budget comes at a cost to many state programs.
Fundraiser underway to restore Indiana's oldest surviving theatre
Columbus is a hotspot of modern architecture, but a new campaign hopes to revive one of its oldest gems. The long-abandoned Crump Theatre could become a 700-seat concert venue.
