Deputy Coroners
Marit Faulkner, AMBDI, Deputy Coroner
Mfaulkner@boonecountyky.org
Marit started with the Boone County Coroner’s office in April of 2017. Prior to coming to work for the coroner’s office, Marit worked for both the Northern Kentucky and Central Kentucky (Frankfort) State Medical Examiner’s office as a forensic autopsy technician and administrative assistant. Marit also worked at the Hamilton County Ohio Coroner’s Office as a death investigator.
While working for the KY State Medical Examiner, under the supervision of the forensic pathologists, her duties included assisting the pathologist with evidence collection, providing chain of custody, injury identification and documentation, specimen collection for toxicology, and much more during complete forensic autopsies covering all manners of death (homicides, suicides, accidents, natural, and undetermined). Marit learned the effects of natural disease to the body and how to relate it to the death, worked with law enforcement agencies, coroners, and attorneys.
As a death investigator at the Hamilton Co. Coroner’s Office, she would respond to the scene and perform a complete death investigation, document the scene using digital photography, collect evidence, prepare investigative reports, assist law enforcement, and report findings to the forensic pathologists.
In 2019 Marit received her national certification as a death investigation through the American Board of Medico-legal Death Investigators and she is a member of the Kentucky Coroner’s Association.
Bill Cooper APRN, Deputy Coroner
Bcooper@boonecountyky.org
Bill is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University Nursing Program with a Masters Degree as Family Nurse Practitioner and 2018 received his Post Master’s Degree as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. He served 4 years as a Tactical Medic on the SWAT team for Northern Kentucky Emergency Response Unit (NKERU) and currently holds a license as a National Registered Paramedic. Bill is licensed by the Kentucky Board of Nursing as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and has worked as an APRN in Emergency, Cardiology and Orthopedic medicine. He was also a Special Deputy for the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office. Bill holds current certifications in Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course (TPTAC), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
Bill was appointed as Deputy Coroner for Boone County August 2017. He attended the Basic Coroner’s Training in February 2018 to further his knowledge in death investigation and obtain Certification as a Deputy Coroner. Bill currently works as a Flight Nurse Practioner for University of Cincinnati AirCare, and Nurse Practioner for University of Cincinnati and St Elizabeth Healthcare Emergency Departments. Other experience includes acting as chairman of the Nurse Practitioners of St. Elizabeth Healthcare Emergency Department for 7 years. During this time, he was responsible for updating policies and creating new protocols.
As a Nurse Practitioner, Bill offers over 25 years of experience in the Healthcare field caring for patients from infancy to geriatrics, physical assault, sexual assault, and patients who have been abused. He is very caring and compassionate and has a deep understanding of family needs during their loss of a loved one.
Troy Bertke, Deputy Coroner
Tbertke@boonecountyky.org
Troy attended Morehead State University where he studied Athletic Training and also obtained his Emergency Medical Technician Certification. He began his career in the Emergency Medical Services in 1987, and obtained his Paramedic License in 1991. During his career as a Paramedic Troy has served as Tactical Paramedic with Northern Kentucky’s first regional Swat Team, he also spent many years on the faculty at the University of Cincinnati for their Paramedic Program. Troy was also a shift Captain at TransCare EMS, which provided regional Advanced Life Support service to the Fire Departments of Kenton County prior to them hiring their own Fire Fighter Paramedics.
Troy joined the Coroner’s office in January of 2021. He attended the Basic Coroner’s Training in February of 2021 to further his knowledge in death investigation and obtain Certification as a Deputy Coroner. Troy still maintains his Paramedic License today working for American Medical Response along with his certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
With his career in the Emergency Medical Services Troy brings 35 years of experience caring for the sick and injured.
Amanda Peel RN, SANE, Deputy Coroner
Apeel@boonecountyky.org
Amanda Peel is a graduate of Chamberlain College of Nursing with a Bachelor’s Degree. She also has a Bachelors in Organizational Management and an Associates in Medical Laboratory Technology. Amanda holds current certifications in Advanced Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Neonatal Resuscitation. She continues to improve herself with certifications in Emergency Nursing (CEN) and Forensics (CFN).
Amanda was appointed as Deputy Coroner for Boone County in March 2021. She attended the Basic Coroner’s Training in April 2021 to further her knowledge in death investigation and obtain Certification as a Deputy Coroner. Amanda currently works as a staff nurse in the St Elizabeth Florence Emergency Department and continues to be on call as a Forensic nurse for St Elizabeth. She has been a forensic nurse since 2016 and responds for any patients that arrive to one of the 6 St Elizabeth ERs for sexual assault, domestic, elderly, or child abuse cases. Amanda was in the military as a lab tech/combat medic for 11 years before becoming a nurse. She has mostly worked in the ER but has also worked in the SICU for the University of Cincinnati and flew for Air Evac based out of Georgetown, OH.
As a critical care nurse, Amanda offers over 20 years of experience in the Healthcare field. She has been an advocate for her patient’s care in all stages of life. Amanda continues to improve her knowledge and appreciates the opportunity she has been given to help bring closure in the final moments of a life for both the decedent and the family.