The new facility for the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office is open in French Camp.
County officials said the modernized building was designed to provide a secure and efficient environment that supports advanced forensic operations and offers accommodations for families and visitors.
The building includes upgraded radiology technology, significantly improved autopsy space, expanded cooler capacity, and new case management software that will be implemented soon.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday, April 24 at 7101 Bob Heidelbach Place in French Camp to mark the opening of the 18,000 square foot building.
Previously, staff from the medical examiner’s office were working out of two borrowed spaces that were 100 years old.
At the ceremony, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, county leaders, and staff from the Health Cares Services Agency gathered and gave remarks about the milestone.
Speakers at the ceremony included Cara Dunn (Health Care Services Assistant Director), Genevieve Valentine (Health Care Services Director), Paul Graves (Operations Administrator for the Office of the Medical Examiner), and Sonny Dhaliwal (Chairman of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors District 3.)
Valentine told the audience that behind the walls of the facility dedicated professionals will work with precision and compassion. She said they will “(work) to uncover the truth, to support justice and provide answers to families in their most difficult moments.”
According to Valentine, the innovative facility equips the staff with the tools needed to do their work at the highest level, but also with dignity and respect.
Dhaliwal called the building a much needed project for the county and said it would be a great benefit to the community to provide justice for families.
“The Board is proud to support that mission by investing in a state-of-the-art facility that honors those who have passed, provides the tools needed to help ensure justice, and creates the best possible working environment for our employees,” Dhaliwal said.
When Graves addressed the audience he said many responsible decisions and long planning hours went into making the dream of the facility into a reality.
“It’s a glorious day here in French Camp,” he said.
Graves said he and staff approach their work at the medical examiner’s office with professionalism, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to the families they serve.
“Every case represents a loved one, and our mission is to provide answers, preserve dignity, and help bring closure and healing during an incredibly difficult time,” Graves said. “This new facility gives our team the space, tools, and support they need to continue delivering these essential services at the highest level.”
Record reporter Victoria Franco covers public safety in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at vfranco@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: New ME facility brings advanced forensic tech to San Joaquin County
Reporting by Victoria Franco, The Stockton Record / The Record
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