Darnell Hartwell
Berkeley County Coroner
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Berkeley County as your Coroner. Over the past four years, we have worked diligently to bring professionalism, compassion, and efficiency to the office, ensuring that every family receives the respect and support they deserve during difficult times. From enhancing our investigative capabilities to fostering stronger community partnerships, my commitment has always been to the well-being and safety of our citizens. With your continued trust and support, I am eager to build upon these achievements and further elevate the standards of the Coroner's Office for another term.Coroner Darnell D. Hartwell was born in Charleston, SC in 1984 and was raised in the northern part of Berkeley County (Bonneau, Alvin). He is a 2003 graduate of Timberland High School.Coroner Hartwell has served the citizens of Berkeley County his entire career. From 2003-2005 he served at the Bonneau Volunteer Fire Department and from 2003-2018 he also served with the Berkeley County Rescue Squad.
Coroner Hartwell began his career in the Coroner’s Office in 2005 and served thru 2010 as a volunteer deputy coroner under the leadership of the late Coroner Glenn Rhoads. In 2011 Coroner Hartwell was sworn in as a paid deputy coroner under the leadership of retired Coroner William “Bill” Salisbury, and from 2018 to 2021 as Chief Deputy Coroner under the leadership of Coroner George M. Oliver.With 20 years of service in the Coroner’s Office Coroner Hartwell has over 3000 training hours in death investigation, criminal investigations, emergency services and leadership training. He has been involved in over 5000 death investigations that include but not limited to naturals death, violent deaths, suicides, accidental deaths, and homicides. Coroner Hartwell has assisted in leading the Coroner’s Office thru the Covid-19 pandemic and the everlasting opioid epidemic fatalities. He has led his team thru example and teaching to strive towards excellence, treating all families with dignity, compassion, and professionalism.Coroner Hartwell is an active member of Pointe North Church. He is married to Melissa
Hartwell for 18 years they have two sons and a daughter.
[email protected]
Phone: 843.824.4099
Fundraising
Re-electing Darnell Hartwell as Berkeley County Coroner requires a strong campaign, and financial contributions are essential to making that happen. Donations enable the campaign to effectively reach voters, communicate Coroner Hartwell's proven track record of professionalism and compassion, and highlight his commitment to community safety and support for families. These funds are vital for everything from organizing public outreach events and producing informative materials to covering necessary campaign costs. Your contribution, no matter the size, directly empowers the campaign to share his message widely, educate the public on the crucial role of the Coroner's office, and ultimately ensure that Berkeley County continues to benefit from his experienced and dedicated leadership.
To donate via check, please send to the following address:
P.O. Box 1025
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Re-Election Campaign
Darnell's re-election campaign is founded upon a steadfast commitment to exceptional service, guided by an outstanding track record of integrity and dedication. His mission is rooted in honesty, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness in every action. The cornerstone of his approach is a deep well of love and compassion, extended to every family and individual he serves during their most challenging moments. Most importantly, Darnell's work is driven by a heart centered on God, providing a moral compass that ensures fairness, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of Berkeley County.
Accomplishments
Since 2023, the Coroner’s Office has made significant strides in modernization, community engagement, and operational excellence. A new website waws launched to improve accessibility and transparency. Efforts are underway to achieve national accreditation for the office through
the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners. The Coroner’s Office is undergoing an expansion to enhance our ability to serve the citizens of our rapidly growing county. This project reflects the ongoing population growth and the need to ensure that our services remain effective and responsive to the community’s needs.The office has been proactive in applying and securing state and federal grants, reflecting a commitment to fiscal responsibility, and maintaining a balanced budget. New positions have been established, including a community outreach coordinator, an evidence custodian, and an additional deputy coroner.Technological advancements include the acquisition of a Randox Evidence MultiSTAT
toxicology machine that is capable of detecting drugs in decedents within an hour and multiple mobile, electronic fingerprint readers for faster identification of decedents.To address the opioid crisis and community health, the office developed and implemented the Opioid Fatality Review Board, which has since been recognized as a model and adopted by other agencies. The office also became Narcan distributors and has two certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to perform car seat installation services to the community.Darnell launched the C.O.P.E. (Community Outreach Prevention Education) program to promote awareness, provide resources, and public education and prevention strategies to reduce risk within the community.Additionally, his involvement with the Ernest E. Kennedy Center and Wakeup Carolina
illustrates his commitment to addressing substance abuse and mental health challenges in the community.Annual initiatives include hosting a national, multidisciplinary team, child death training and the “Berkeley Remembers” service to honor lives lost in the county from violence. A county mass fatality trailer with necessary equipment was implemented to ensure preparedness for large scale emergencies within Berkeley County. Darnell is also the leader and responsible for the storage,
upkeep, and deployment of the South Carolina Coroner’s Association (MAST) fatality trailer for the Lowcountry region.Over 6,000 calls for service have been handled since the current administration began. Annual reports for the Coroner’s Office have been created and issued to maintain transparency. These achievements reflect strong collaboration with county leaders, law enforcement, EMS, fire
departments, prevention partners, and the solicitor’s office and demonstrate a comprehensive and compassionate approach to public service.Darnell is an active member of several respected organizations that reflect his dedication to public service, professional excellence, and community well-being. He is a member of the Moncks Corner Rotary, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 19, and several prevention committees demonstrating his commitment to civic engagement and law enforcement partnerships.Professionally, Darnell is involved with the South Carolina Coroner’s Association and the International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners, staying at the forefront of best practices in death investigation. He also serves as Coroner’s Representative for the South Carolina DHEC Lowcountry Health Care Coalition and contributes to the Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Initiative, highlighting his dedication to both public health and veteran
support.
I want to acknowledge my incredible staff who are truly the ones that make all this happen. I want to also express my gratitude to the great working relationships I have with my county supervisor and all counsel members who help with securing funding and all their support on making all this a success. - Darnell Hartwell