San Joaquin County officials recently marked a milestone in their work to build a new morgue.
County supervisors gathered last week to sign their names to beams that will be part of the new facility for the county medical examiner’s office, slated to open this fall. The building will replace the existing aging morgue near the Sheriff’s Office complex in French Camp.
The gathering Thursday wasn’t only a simple signature event. Noting the solemnity of the work that will be done in the building, which is aimed at caring for the dead while contributing to science to help the living, some included messages along with their names.
Supervisor Robert Rickman added a note, saying: “May God bless all who work here & bring justice, peace and closure to all of those they serve.”
Board of Supervisors Chair Paul Canepa included a message that offered peace to the men and women who work in the morgue as well as everyone who enters.
The new building, which broke ground in 2023, is estimated to include 18,000 square feet of space and cost about $25 million.
The facility will provide space to house the latest forensic equipment while also offering public spaces necessary for privacy and the expression of grief, officials said.
“This facility is designed with compassion in mind — ensuring that families who come to claim their loved ones can do so with privacy, dignity and respect,” the county said in a statement. “We hope that in their moments of grief, they will find a measure of solace, comfort and closure.