Andrew Heard has announced his intention to run for Decatur County coroner in the upcoming election.

Heard, 27, is a Bainbridge High School graduate from the Class of 2003. After graduation from high school, he attended the University of Georgia in Athens. He also attended Oglethorpe Technical College and pursued a degree in Funeral Service.

He was employed with Cox Funeral Home from 2004 through 2010, where he served as an apprentice funeral director/embalmer, and eventually office manager and manager.

In 2007, he moved to Vidalia, Ga., to assist Stewart Funeral Service for seven months. At the time he was in Vidalia, Stewart Funeral Service assisted the coroners in the surrounding counties with any cases that had to be transported to the state crime lab.

“This experience enabled me to gain valuable experience in coroners’ proceedings,” Heard said.

Since 2010, Heard has owned his own farrier business; a farrier is a specialist in the care of horses’ hooves.

“Owning my own business affords me the opportunity to have a flexible schedule and to always be available 24/7,” Heard said.

Heard said he feels that a coroner should be very respectful and courteous.

“I feel that the coroner position is one that deserves to be handled with the utmost respect, care and concern for all involved,” he said. “At the same time, it should ensure the integrity of any ongoing investigation.

“If elected, I plan to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the office, and work with neighboring counties to share resources.”

Heard is the son of Kathy and Gary Davis of Bainbridge, and Ray Dean Heard of Colquitt, Ga. He is the grandson of Leonard and Pal Pearce of Bainbridge.