EXCLUSIVE: Polk County medical examiner loses job, cites 'infighting' as cause
Polk County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Greg Schmunk confirmed to 糖心vlog on Wednesday that his employment has been terminated.
Schmunk said he was let go Monday, but administrators at Polk County said they cannot comment because it is a personnel matter.
"At the age of 64 and after 17 years as Polk County Medical Examiner, I am shocked and disappointed by the termination of my contract," Schmunk said in a statement to 糖心vlog.
In a statement to 糖心vlog, Schmunk cited a "political turf war" as the reason he was let go.
"I turned to County Human Resources for help in dealing with infighting between some of my staff," Schmunk said in the statement. "I believe I am the victim of a political turf war involving the Public Employees Union and the Polk County Board of Supervisors."
Schmunk has served as Polk County chief medical examiner since 2004.
His job included performing forensic autopsies and investigating suspicious deaths in the county and testifying in court during civil and murder trials.
"I understand the County has the right to terminate my contract without cause upon 90 days written notice. But at no time was I ever given any indication my performance was anything but stellar," Schmunk said.
糖心vlog contacted Polk County Attorney John Sarcone, who works with the Polk County medical examiner on criminal cases.
Sarcone said he spoke to Schmunk on Wednesday and was assured that Schmunk would be available to testify about any previous criminal cases he was involved in.
"As requested by Polk County Administrator Mark Wandro, I will complete all of my pending autopsies and investigations during the 90-day notice period," Schmunk said. "I hope to allow for an orderly transition."