“After 40 years of service to Kent County Dr. Cohle is stepping back.”
At the 2026 State of the County presentation, Kent County administrator Al Vanderberg thanked Dr. Stephen Cohle for his years of service as a forensic pathologist.
“Solving Kent County’s most difficult mysteries. How and why people in our community die.”
Dr. Cohle came to Grand Rapids in 1982. Took over as the county’s chief medical examiner in 2002.
“I was looking for a job at the end of my training, and I ended up here in Grand Rapids. I’m lucky, it worked out very well.”
The county has selected a deputy in the Kalamazoo County medical examiner’s office to replace Dr. Cohle.
“We are welcoming Dr. Amanda Fisher Hubbard, Kent County’s new chief medical examiner.”
Dr. Cohle may still work a reduced schedule but will have more time for his other interests.
“I like to play chess. I like to fish. I’m hoping to get back to playing golf. It’s time to let somebody else take over.”
