LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury appointed an interim coroner Thursday night after Dr. Terry Welke announced his early retirement in June.

Dr. Joseph Dressler, a Lake Charles native and Barbe High School graduate, will serve as coroner for the remainder of Welke’s term.

Dressler graduated from LSU Shreveport and is currently a hospitalist at Memorial Hospital. He also has a master’s in business from McNeese State University.

The police jury had until Aug. 31 to appoint an interim coroner, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

A special election will be held in the spring of 2026 to elect a new coroner.

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