Coroner reports rise in suicides; council tables proposal to convert first deputy to full time

LaPorte County Coroner Lynn Swanson told the County Council on Feb. 23 that suicide deaths increased from 21 in 2024 to 33 in 2025 and described voluntary prevention steps the office is taking.

"Suicides were up substantially in 2025 from 21 in 2024 to 33 in 2025," Swanson said, and described distributing pamphlets and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) guidance for deputies to give families at scenes and to share resources for mental-health support.

Council members discussed whether to convert the coroner’s current part-time first deputy position to full time to address possible Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) compliance concerns. A council member noted the job-evaluation committee recommended making the position full time; Mr. DiMartino prepared a legal-summary video distributed to members outlining possible ramifications. Several commissioners said they had met with the coroner and reviewed alternatives over several months.

After debate—during which one council member argued the item had been previously voted down and others said FLSA considerations warranted reexamination—the council moved, seconded and voted to table the request. No formal change to staffing was enacted at the meeting.

Swanson said the office will remain "proactive on this suicide prevention" work and deputies will carry the informational packets. The council asked staff to follow committee guidance and to return with additional information before taking a staffing action.

Next steps: the staffing proposal remains tabled; staff were directed to gather additional details about FLSA implications and alternatives and to return to the council for further consideration.