Paul Foster has been elected coroner of Jackson County.

The Seymour man defeated Ronald Cox of Brownstown by a margin of 2,730 votes to 2,096 votes.

Foster said he is thankful for the support.

“I feel good. It’s an honor to be selected as the Republican candidate for coroner,” he said.

Foster also said he looks forward to the November general election and hopes for a similar result then.

Cox congratulated Foster following the release of the results.

“I want to congratulate Paul on a great victory,” Cox said. “I’m thankful for the nearly 2,100 people who gave me their vote of confidence. I wish Paul the best in his newly elected position as Jackson County coroner. I’ll be happy to assist him in any way I can.”

Foster’s experience includes being a retired Seymour firefighter/emergency medical technician and being co-owner of Foster Brothers and Fostech Inc.

Foster said he decided to run as a way to continue serving the community.

“Coming out of college, I felt the call to serve in some capacity,” he said. “Growing up watching my father spend his whole career moving around the country with the U.S. Air Force, I witnessed him lead by example in humble service. After joining the Seymour Fire Department 25 years ago, I found fulfillment in serving my neighbor.”

Having been retired for four years, he said he still feels that same call.

“I would like to use the office of coroner to utilize the skills I have gained through my 21 years with the fire department and as a business owner to give back to the community,” he said.

The salary for coroner is $10,983.