Wilson “Eddie” Rowell announced Tuesday he is seeking the office of Covington County coroner on the Republican ticket.

Rowell has 12 years of experience as a paramedic and is currently employed with Advanced EMS.

He said he feels that his valuable experience in both the emergency medical field and his experience in the church can bring both compassion and expertise to the office of coroner.

“The majority of the time when the coroner arrives, it is to a situation that is very emotional and troubling for the family,” he said. “On the flip side, there is a professional job to be done. I think I have the unique abilities to combine both of those aspects to best serve the residents of Covington County.”

Rowell said candidates must meet two qualifications to be coroner – be 25-years-of-age and a yearlong resident of Covington County.

Rowell, 33, is a lifelong resident of Covington County, and he and his wife, Amanda, have one son, Eric Jernigan.

He is the son of Barbara Cross and Jimmy Rowell of Andalusia and was a 1995 graduate of Red Level High School. He and his family currently attend Good News Baptist Chapel, and in years past, Rowell has volunteered his time in the church serving as a youth minister.