Porter County Coroner Vicki Deppe has announced her forthcoming resignation to accept a nursing position at a regional hospital.

Deppe told the Chesterton Tribune today that she has not yet determined the effective date of her resignation but that it will likely be in the first quarter.

Deppe, who has a master’s degree as an advanced practitioner nurse with prescriptive and diagnostic testing authority, will be working as a wound care specialist. “It’s a chance to work for a hospital and do in- and out-patient work on complex wounds,” she said. “I’ll get to use everything I’ve trained for. It really is a wonderful opportunity.”

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Deppe added. “I’ve had a lot of anguish over it and at one point almost backed out of the deal with the hospital. I wanted to finish my term of office but this opportunity just won’t be there at the end of the year.”

Deppe took office in 2007. Her term expires on Dec. 31, 2010.

A Democratic caucus, not yet scheduled, will elect a person to complete Deppe’s term. As a precinct committee member, Deppe noted, she will participate in the voting.

“It’s been a privilege to serve the citizens of Porter County,” Deppe said. “They honored me with their trust.”

Posted 1/18/2010