Harold “Hal” Bennett, a retired senior forensic investigator, is the second candidate to announce his candidacy for Forsyth County Coroner in a week, according to a news release.

Bennett brings 23 years of experience to the position having worked in both the Gwinnett and Cobb County Medical Examiner’s offices. 

He worked and trained under Dr. Joseph Burton of Alpharetta and trained under Dr. Joe Davis and his staff at the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Bennett is certified as a police officer and crime scene investigator, and is also a blood spatter expert after training at the Dade County Law Enforcement Academy.

He has been a licensed practical nurse since 1972 and worked in many critical areas such as the intensive care unit, coronary care unit and emergency rooms at several metro Atlanta hospitals.

Bennett earned a Bachelor’ Degree in Education at Oglethorpe University and studied for a Master’s Degree at the University of New Orleans in Forensic Anthropology under Dr. William M. Bass.

He is a 20-year retiree from the Armed Forces, having served both in the Navy and Air Force as a medic. He retired after returning from active service during Desert Storm.

If elected, Bennett said, he would serve the citizens of Forsyth to the utmost of his ability ensuring everyone receives the respect and courtesy they deserve.

Mary Beth Pais, a registered nurse and faculty member at Georgia State University, announced her candidacy for coroner last week.

Lauren McDonald, Forsyth County Coroner for the past 11 years and a volunteer firefighter for 24 years, announced his candidacy for sheriff last month.