Brett Harding grew up on a farm in Indiana, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. At age nine, he rescued twin boys who had fallen through the ice of a pond, earning the Boy Scout National Medal of Merit for bravery. Throughout high school and college, Brett stayed active in athletics, playing basketball and serving in student government as Sports and Recreation Commissioner.

While studying in the medical field in college, Brett met the love of his life, Karen. They married and moved to Florida, where they built their home, careers, business, and family together. While Karen built a successful salon business and became an educator in her field, Brett worked part time in a pathology lab while continuing his education.

It was there that Brett discovered the career path that would define his life’s work. The lab was owned by the local medical examiner, who recognized Brett’s talent and dedication and began training him as a Medicolegal Death Investigator. Inspired by the unique combination of medicine, science, and law, Brett changed his major to Criminology and committed himself to the field of medicolegal death investigation.

Brett and Karen raised their two sons, Brock and Kyle, while staying deeply involved in their community through youth sports, coaching, and mentorship. Through those experiences, they became legal guardians to a young boy named Jordan, whom they proudly welcomed as their third son.

As their sons grew older and pursued careers of service themselves, the family’s path began leading westward. One of their sons’ military careers brought new opportunities and experiences that ultimately connected Brett to leadership opportunities in Nevada and later Idaho. Those experiences reinforced the Harding family’s commitment to service, sacrifice, and community.

While working at the Medical Examiner’s Office, Brett was recruited to join an organ transplant recovery team, where he gained valuable surgical and clinical experience while continuing to further his education. His passion for medicolegal work ultimately led him back to the field full time. After years of successful work in Florida, Brett accepted a position as Assistant Coroner in Las Vegas, Nevada, adding another chapter of leadership and experience to his career.

Through Brett’s involvement in national professional organizations, he was presented with an opportunity to serve the people of Idaho. Upon visiting, Brett and Karen immediately felt a sense of community and belonging that reminded them of their roots and values. The opportunity to help modernize and strengthen the Ada County Coroner’s Office aligned perfectly with Brett’s decades of experience and passion for public service.

Since accepting the position as Chief Deputy Coroner, Brett has worked to bring innovation, professionalism, and expanded forensic capabilities to Ada County. He has helped strengthen relationships with medical and community partners, advanced investigator training, improved operational readiness, and expanded educational opportunities through partnerships with Idaho’s medical community.

Today, Brett and Karen proudly call Idaho home and believe there is no better place to live, work, and serve. Brett remains committed to leading the Coroner’s Office with professionalism, compassion, and integrity. Together with the dedicated staff, community partners, and citizens of Ada County, he looks forward to continuing to strengthen public service, support families during difficult moments, and uphold the highest standards for the office and the community it serves.