BREMERTON — Greg Sandstrom announced Feb. 18 that he will seek a fifth term as Kitsap County coroner.

Sandstrom has been the coroner since 1999. Prior to his election, he was a deputy coroner for five years. He also served as a Washington State Patrol trooper for 13 years and as a minister and missionary for six.

Sandstrom credits his past experiences for preparing him to be coroner. “The Patrol taught me how to conduct an investigation, and the ministry prepared me to serve with compassion,” he said in a press release announcing his candidacy. “That, combined with my experience as a deputy coroner, fully prepared me for this job.”

Sandstrom credited as accomplishments the design and completion of the coroner’s office at the Kitsap Readiness Response Center in Bremerton; the establishment of regional partnerships with other counties for autopsies and emergency response; and the “Cribs for Kids” program, ensuring that every baby has a safe environment in which to sleep.

Sandstrom said he is looking forward to another term to continue to enhance the effectiveness and level of service of the coroner’s office. His goals include the establishment of a reserve program to provide a professional learning opportunity for those interested in a career in death investigation. He will work to obtain national certification with the International Coroners and Medical Examiners Association for his office and facility. Additionally, he will further his plans to provide regional support to additional surrounding counties.

The coroner is elected to a four-year term and is paid $102,668.80 a year.