Whatcom County hired a temporary medical examiner based in Montana. How will that work?

Whatcom County has a “temporary interim” medical examiner, replacing the forensic pathologist who was removed after allegations that bodies were left to decompose on at least one occasion in May.

On Tuesday, the County Council unanimously confirmed Dr. Aldo Fusaro to the post as the County Executive’s Office works to end its contract with Dr. Allison Hunt and Hunt Forensics PLLC, who had been conducting autopsies and other services.

Whatcom County seeks to appoint interim medical examiner as current contract ends

Fusaro has been deputy medical examiner for the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office since 2017, according to a background report provided to the County Council. He joined a council committee meeting via Zoom on Tuesday and addressed the turmoil.

“What I found out in the week that I was (in Whatcom County) is that it’s a great bunch of people. They’re very supportive. And I think that after righting the ship, we can steer it on a proper course,” Fusaro said.

He told the council that he intends to apply for the permanent position.

Until a permanent medical examiner is hired, Fusaro will be splitting his time between Whatcom County and Montana. Forensic pathologists will conduct autopsies and Fusaro will be available for consultation, Deputy Executive Kayla Schott-Bressler told the council.

“We have on-site staff who will handle day-to-day responsibilities,” Schott-Bressler said.

Before taking the job in Montana, Fusao was associate medical examiner for King County from 2005 to 2017.

Early in his career he served in the Office of the Cook County Medical Examiner, which includes Chicago.

He has taught at the University of Washington School of Medicine and at Rush Medical College in Chicago.

Hunt became Whatcom County’s medical examiner in January 2022 when Dr. Gary Goldfogel retired after more than 30 years.

Whatcom County spokesman Jed Holmes told The Herald in August that it could take several months to appoint a new medical examiner.