BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG — Republican James R. Amo is running for St. Lawrence County coroner, pointing to more than 20 years in emergency services and experience assisting with postmortem examinations as qualifications for the job.

A lifelong Ogdensburg resident, Amo spent more than two decades with the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, where he served as an emergency medical technician and held instructor certifications in CPR, first aid and automated external defibrillator training.

Amo said his emergency response experience taught him to remain calm, make sound decisions and treat people with dignity during difficult situations.

He also said he worked alongside the late Dr. Hugh Frame, assisting with postmortem examinations and responding to coroner calls. Amo said that experience gave him firsthand knowledge of death investigations and the need to handle them professionally and respectfully.

In addition to his rescue squad experience, Amo volunteered with the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department.

Amo owns and operates JR Recovery Process Service in Ogdensburg, a business that has served legal documents for nearly 20 years. He also served for 10 years on the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals.

He said his professional and volunteer work has taught him the importance of accountability, attention to detail and working with others.

The coroner’s job includes investigating certain deaths and working with law enforcement, medical professionals and emergency personnel to determine the circumstances surrounding a death.

Amo said the position requires sound judgment, professionalism and compassion for families dealing with an unexpected loss. He also emphasized the importance of completing paperwork promptly so families can obtain death certificates and other records needed after a death.

Amo said he has campaigned alongside Republican incumbent Steven M. Cary since June and shares Cary’s commitment to community service. He said the two intend to continue working together through Election Day.

Amo is running against Cary, Democratic incumbent James “Jamie” Sienkiewycz and write-in candidate Therese “Terri” Miner for a St. Lawrence County coroner position.

In a letter to the editor, Amo asked county residents to consider his emergency services experience, work with Dr. Frame and commitment to treating families with dignity and respect when deciding whom to elect.