|
The Richard Lamb Telegram
The Georgia crematory scandal: Could it happen here?We, along with all reputable funeral directors and crematory operators,
abhor the events that have apparently taken place at the Tri-State Crematory in Georgia. Our hearts go out to the many grieving families affected by this
situation. To allay concerns that such a terrible situation could happen in the Chicago area, we wanted to pass along the following
information.
- The crematory we use has been operating reputably for many years as part of
the Woodlawn Cemetery, one of the premier cemeteries in the Chicago area.
- Richard Lamb Funeral Services is a member of The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) and we subscribe to the following advice given by
CANA: That any funeral home, cremation society or cremation service provider
which does not own and operate its own cremation facilities regularly visit the facilities of the firms that do the actual cremation. Only by
such visits can these cremation service providers be confident that the cremations are being performed in a proper and timely manner,
that the human remains are treated with respect and dignity, and that the cremated
remains are returned in their entirety to the family or authorizing agent.
- The crematory is also a member of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) which has a Code of Cremation Practice.
- In addition to this Code of Cremation Practice, CANA has established specific procedures for the "Handling of Dead Human Bodies by an Authorized
Crematory Authority" and conducts annual Crematory Operator Certification Programs to ensure these proper procedures are being carried out.
- The crematory we use is regulated by the State of Illinois, which regularly
inspects the facilities and records.
- The corporate owner of the crematory has its own set of operating procedures and inspections.
- The crematory manager is a Certified Cremationist, a designation which Illinois and most states do not require, but
which insures the professionalism of the procedures.
- We know the crematory manager personally. We would not allow a crematory
manager we did not know and trust to handle cremations for the families we
serve.
- Our personnel are at the crematory frequently and observe their operations in the process.
- Most crematories do allow families to witness the cremation process, although there are usually additional charges, and the timing must be
co-ordinated with the crematory.
Richard Lamb Funeral Service & Resource Center is
proud to be a member of the following organizations:
International Cemetery and Funeral Association | National Casket Retailers' Association.
| American Casket Retailers' Association.| Cremation Association of North
America | Funeral Directors Services Association of Greater Chicago | FIAT/IFTA
- International Federation of Thanapractic Associations | Westmont Chamber of
Commerce | Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce | Lisle Chamber of Commerce | The
Chamber of Commerce (Chicago)
If you have any questions regarding these safeguards or have any questions
about cremation, please call us toll free at 888-511-5162.
|
