McDaniel cites experience as coroner

May 11—A 25-year veteran of the city of Dalton Fire Department, Clyde McDaniel Jr. also served as deputy Whitfield County coroner from December 2017 to July 2023, when he was named coroner by the Probate Court judge to fill the unexpired term of Greg Bates. That term expires at the end of this year. McDaniel is now seeking his first full, four-year term. He faces Colt Helton in the May 21 Republican Party primary.

Dalton Daily Citizen: Why are you seeking office?

McDaniel: I am seeking your vote to maintain my current position as coroner, so I can continue serving the families of Whitfield County with care, compassion and honesty. I also strive to consistently provide the families I serve with the highest level of care and commitment. Generally speaking, I meet most people for the first time on the worst day of their life, when they aren't quite sure what to do. It's always my goal to walk beside them throughout the entire process, answering any questions they may have. Since becoming coroner, I have worked with the local Board of Commissioners to obtain office space in one of our county buildings, which allows me to better serve our families during their time of need.

DDC: What makes you the most qualified candidate?

McDaniel: As current coroner, I have served in my position since July 1, 2023, and previously, I served as a Whitfield County deputy coroner for five-and-a-half years. Through my professional experience in this role I have the working knowledge of how the office operates, and I have built strong relationships with other agencies in order to thoroughly conduct death investigations and provide closure to all those affected. As a lifelong resident of Whitfield County, with a career dedicated to public safety in our community, I have developed friendships, contacts and working relationships throughout our community and the entire state of Georgia, to better serve you in your time of need.

DDC: What do you think will be the major challenges facing the coroner's office over the next four years and what will you do to address those challenges?

McDaniel: With any election comes the possibility of a new administration, which can sometimes pose challenges and changes to every department. I think being flexible, having knowledge within the office, being a member of the Georgia Coroners Association and a 25-year veteran of the city of Dalton Fire Department gives me the insight, networking and communication skills to work through any changes and challenges that may arise. The coroner's office is focused on serving the families of Whitfield County with the utmost care and compassion instilled in this office by the late Ms. Bobbie Dixon. I will continue to run the office with the highest amount of professionalism and empathy.

DDC: What are your views regarding government transparency and honesty with the voters?

McDaniel: In the coroner's office, we are completely transparent with the families we serve. Families are kept up-to-date throughout the entire death investigation. Sometimes, this process can take several months to complete. The families under our care are notified of any and all updates as they occur. In the coroner's office, transparency is foremost for the families we serve, as well as those in close proximity who are affected by the grief of losing a loved one. Of course, our community also deserves transparency, but in saying that, one of our primary focuses is preserving the dignity and confidentiality of the deceased. My job is to work side-by-side with local law enforcement, as well as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and integrity and accountability is required of everyone involved.

DDC: In just a few words, what else would you like to tell the community about your background, experience, education, qualifications or why a voter should vote for you?

McDaniel: I am a proud, lifelong resident of Whitfield County and I have served in public safety in this community for over 27 years, 25 of those as a full-time firefighter for the city of Dalton. I am a National Registry emergency medical technician and a SafeKids Worldwide child protective seat technician, both certifications that I have maintained for over 12 years. I am an active member of the Georgia Coroners Association, which also helps me network with coroners throughout the state. I attend Tunnel Hill First Baptist Church, and I love Whitfield County, and our wonderful community. I humbly ask for your vote on May 21 to help me continue the honor and privilege of serving the citizens of Whitfield County as coroner.