Tuesday, November 24, 2015

TOP STORY >> Fraley hops in coroner’s race

Kenny Fraley of South Bend has filed to run for Lonoke County coroner as a Republican. He has served with the South Bend Fire Department since 1995 and is now the chief, having gained invaluable training in the medical field as well as experience with death and dying.

Over the years, he said he has been an asset to his community and the residents of Lonoke County.

Fraley said he will be a full-time coroner if elected. He said the office requires someone who can give their full attention to the duties required and is prepared to respond to all calls, along with his deputies.

He doesn’t believe families, law enforcement agencies and other first responders should have to wait hours for a coroner to arrive. He said families deserve a timely, professional response.

Other important areas include great working relationships with all agencies, professionalism, integrity, honesty and accountability.

Fraley said, “Lonoke County needs a full-time coroner again to best serve the citizens of this county, to hold the deputies to a higher standard, to lead by example and to care about those dealing with tragedy.”

He is a 1996 graduate of Jacksonville High School as well as a 2001 graduate of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Academy.

He has been married to Susanne Blanchard Fraley for 16 years, and they have two children: Kristi, who attends Lonoke Elementary, and Kasey, who attends Lonoke Primary.

The Fraleys attend Morrison Chapel Baptist Church.

He said he has devoted his life to serving others.

He is active in his community, not only with the fire department, but also with Ducks Unlimited, where he is a zone chairman.

Fraley is the Central District president of the Arkansas State Firefighters Association and is a team leader of the Lonoke County Water Rescue Team.