Rusty Clevenger for Spartanburg Coroner

Rusty - teaching a forensics class at Spartanburg Methodist College where he spreads his knowledge to our "next generation."

Rusty - answering questions at Spartanburg Methodist College during class.

Rusty - explaining DNA to 5th graders.

Sheriff Chuck Wright - instructing a class about internet safety as Rusty looks on.

Solicitor Trey Gowdy - speaking about the importance of Forensics and Prosecution to a class....

I was born in, and have lived in, Spartanburg County all my life.  I was educated in Spartanburg and this is where I work and enjoy all our beautiful County has to offer.  My children are educated here and our community means a great deal to me.  Part of our great community is the committed public servants that work for us every day.  I am proud to say that I am in the ranks of your public service ensuring the services you expect are the best.

I have been employed by Spartanburg County for 22 years in Law Enforcement and Prosecution.

I became employed as a Sheriff's Patrol Officer, promoted to Vice Investigator in 1988, where I gained vast experience in search and seizure as well as evidence matters and prosecution in General Sessions Court.  I was promoted to Detective in 1991, where I gained vast experience in forensics and victim services in general crimes cases.  I was assigned to work Violent Crime cases where Homicide Investigation became my career interest and true calling.  I learned from experienced instructors and made many cases as well as assisting victim families with answers to their questions.

I was fascinated even more with the prosecution of Homicide Offenders and became employed by the Solicitor of Spartanburg as Senior Investigator in 1997 and assigned to Homicide Case Prosecution.  I assisted in the prosecution of numerous Homicide trials, some of which were Capital Murder cases.   Forensics was always a large part of our case presentation and I became very knowledgeable about all aspects of Forensic collection and presentation in homicide cases.  It has been my honor to help families receive justice on numerous occasions after successful homicide trials.

I was assigned to head the CSI team formed jointly by Solicitor Gowdy and Sheriff Wright in 2005.  Since its formation, we have been able to obtain state of the art equipment to assist in court room presentations, educated officers in numerous departments on basic forensics to assist with case presentations, initiated forensic internships and school programs to make the community aware of our abilities, and obtained needed man power to work your cases more efficiently.

In my entire career,  I have witnessed how the need for Coroner Services is very important because I have worked side by side with the office since 1991, after my first Homicide Investigative experience.   The Coroner's Office is a vital part of County government that most people hope they never have to relate to.  If a Coroner's Office employee knocks on your door, you will expect the best investigator to present the facts about the demise of your loved one, or friend, and to give information to assist with the bereavement process.

I am offering Spartanburg my benefit of experience and education while running for the Office of Coroner in our County.  I want to maintain the highest standard of investigative excellence and leadership, which will make our community the best place to live and grow.  

I ask for your support and vote on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008.

Vote Rusty Clevenger CORONER