Aftermath Attends the Dr. Avolt Training Conference in Indianapolis

Last week, Aftermath traveled to downtown Indianapolis to attend a yearly event; the company is a regular exhibitor at the annual Dr. Avolt Training Conference in Indianapolis. Hosted by the Indiana Coroner’s Association, attendees included coroners, deputy coroners, EMS personnel, nurses, and funeral directors from all around the Midwest state. Heather Tapscott, Aftermath’s Funeral Home Relations Specialist, manned the Aftermath booth for the three day event.

“The attendees were very nice,” Heather reported. “This conference is a great way to reach families in Indiana. Though most of those I spoke with were already familiar with the company, it’s good to remind them that we’re around and we’re available to help, whenever situations arise.”

Who Was Dr. Avolt?

According to the Conference brochure and the ICA, “Doc” or “Dr. Dave” is considered by many to be the Dean of Indiana Coroners. He provided mentorship to many coroners, as well as assistance to both colleagues and the families they served. Among his many achievements, Dr. Avolt was the first Veterinarian to be elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensics Sciences in 1979. He was elected Tippecanoe County Coroner in 1984.

As Coroner, Dr. Avolt was instrumental in raising the professionalism of the office, helping to write the legislation in 1993 that required all Coroners and Deputy Coroners to become trained, state certified and requiring continuing education. He was also a longtime board member and the President of the Coroners Association in 1992, and was the Executive Director of the Coroners Training Board from 1994- 1998.

Because of the professionalism and wisdom he brought to the field, the board unanimously decided to rename the yearly conference in Dr. Avolt’s honor.

An Active Event

In addition to seminars and workshops, conference goers had the chance to enjoy the downtown atmosphere and some great summer weather. They were also treated to an awards banquet where members socialized and networked. Entertainment was provided by comedian Mike Armstrong.

At the booth, Heather spoke with conference goers about biohazard cleaning and hosted a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card. The winner was Mike Moore, Deputy Coroner of Brown County, Indiana. The company also gave away air fresheners and other merchandise throughout the week.

Charitable opportunities characterized the conference as well. Brain buckets, regular tools of the coroner’s trade, were set up so that attendees could donate $1 or $5 for a chance to win a variety of prizes, contributed by Indiana State Coroners Association Board of Directors and generous members. Vendors and sponsors were also invited to donate items. All proceeds went to the Dr. David Dennis Scholarship Fund. Aftermath contributed a 5.11 Tactical bag to the cause.

Looking Forward

The Dr. Avolt Training Conference is over for the year, but this summer we’ll be making more stops at conferences throughout the Midwest and across the nation. Furthermore, we’ll be hosting our own charity competition, open to all members of law enforcement, but benefiting the communities they serve. Keep an eye out for more information on our Why We Serve video competition, starting June 15th!