Jeremy Sprague is a seasoned law enforcement officer and fire service veteran, with extensive leadership experience as a police chief for the Marion Iowa Police Department and lieutenant for the Des Moines, Iowa Police Department. Throughout his career, he has served as a patrol officer, detective, hostage/crisis negotiator, and peer support coordinator. His progression through the ranks to sergeant and eventually lieutenant allowed him to manage a variety of high-stakes operations, including overseeing patrol units, investigating fatal traffic crashes, and leading sensitive investigations such as sex abuse cases. Jeremy also retired after nearly 20 years of service in the fire department, where he held the role of part-time fire lieutenant, supervising an engine company and medic squad, as well as directing the fire training academy.

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Jeremy has been at the forefront of numerous critical incidents, many of which have had profound impacts on both his personal and professional life. He has led officers through active school shootings, responded to child deaths, and managed the aftermath of officer and employee suicides, as well as the serious injury or death of fellow coworkers. Each of these high-pressure situations has profoundly shaped Jeremy's dedication to improving the resiliency and wellness of first responders.

Driven by a deep commitment to his colleagues’ mental health and wellness, Jeremy created and managed Iowa’s first public safety Peer Support Program, which has since become a model for agencies across the nation. His expertise in critical incident response and training has been sought throughout the state. Notably, in 2016, he led the comprehensive crisis management and wellness strategy following the tragic loss of three Des Moines Police Officers.

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Building on this experience, Jeremy expanded his peer support model to establish the Peer Support Foundation, where he now serves as the executive director and president. The foundation trains first responders across the country, ensuring that these professionals have the support and resources they need to manage the mental health challenges that come with their line of work.

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Jeremy is a highly regarded speaker on topics such as employee wellness, PTSD, and suicide awareness, having presented at numerous national and regional conferences, including the National Fraternal Order of Police Wellness Summit, the National COPS Conference, and the National Teamsters Law Enforcement League, among others.

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Jeremy holds a Master’s of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management Administration. He is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, a certified FBI Law Enforcement Instructor, and an adjunct instructor in Criminal Justice at Des Moines Area Community College. Additionally, he is an instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and holds certification in Critical Incident Stress Management from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.​

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Biography

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Biography

Sheila Russell, LISW CADC is an experienced therapist and lecturer who currently owns a group therapy practice, Front Line Therapy, in West Des Moines, IA. She is a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Consultant. She has expertise in EMDR and trauma treatment of simple and complex PTSD focusing specifically on working with First Responders, Military Personnel and Veterans, and their family members.

Currently, Sheila is a board member with Iowa’s First Responder Peer Support Foundation, a board member for Crisis Canines of the Midlands, a Yoga for First Responders Ambassador, a peer support member and/or consultant for several Iowa Emergency Responder Departments, a lecturer for Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) and Des Moines Regional Police Academy, a vetted Fraternal Order of Police provider, and a therapist with National Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS).

In her spare time, Sheila enjoys chasing after her two little boys, and coaching their rec sports with her first responder husband.

Karen Hurley is a nationally recognized speaker, international best-selling author, and performance coach dedicated to helping first responders and leaders strengthen resilience and perform at their best in high-stakes environments. As the Founder of Coaching with a Karen and PIF Samaritan Services, she works with first responders, executives, and organizations to strengthen resilience, elevate leadership, and build sustainable cultures of wellness and performance.

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Known for her engaging, energetic, and relatable style, Karen blends neuroscience, values-based coaching, and practical strategies to help individuals and teams navigate adversity, reduce stress, and reconnect with what matters most. Her work is grounded in three core principles: be intentional, assume good intent, and never lose sight of the importance of joy and human connection.

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A preferred provider for the Utah Fraternal Order of Police and a trusted collaborator with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Karen is recognized for delivering impactful, real-world training that inspires meaningful action. Attendees leave her training sessions with practical tools, a renewed perspective, and a deeper understanding of how purpose-driven leadership can improve both personal well-being and professional performance.

Joel Hall is a financial advisor with Guide Financial Group in Urbandale, Iowa. Before transitioning to the financial services industry in 2015, Joel spent six years serving as an officer with the Ankeny Police Department. He continues to serve part-time with the Polk City Police Department and maintains strong ties to the first responder community.

Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.  Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

Jeramie Eginoire is a Fire Captain and Paramedic with more than 20 years of service with the Des Moines Fire Department. A longtime member of the department’s Peer Support Team and Honor Guard, he also serves as President of Folds of Honor Iowa. He holds an associate’s degree in Fire Science Technology, a bachelor’s degree in English Education and Speech, and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. His writing on leadership, wellness, and perspective has been published by Firehouse Magazine, JEMS, and Iowa Outdoors Magazine. In 2025, he was recognized as the Rotary Club of Des Moines Firefighter of the Year.

Biography

John Coulter was born in Corning, Iowa, in 1953. At 13, he began responding to ambulance calls with his father. After graduating from high school in 1971, he served in the US Navy until 1977, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class and working as a Navy Postal Clerk.

In 1977, John joined the EMS Department at Greater Regional Hospital in Creston, becoming an EMT-Intermediate and a Level II nationally certified EMS instructor. He also served on the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support Affiliate Faculty, holding leadership roles.

John attended Southwestern Community College, earning an AS degree in Criminal Justice in 1980. He was elected to the Creston City Council in 1981 and served as Union County Disaster Services Coordinator. In 1984, he was elected Sheriff of Union County, a role he held until 2000. He played a key role in organizing the South-Central Iowa E-911 Service Board and received several awards for his service, including the Life Saving Award and the Kirk Strong Award.

After leaving the Sheriff's Office, John co-founded Silver Linings Family Centered Services Agency, providing in-home counseling and skills development services. He later served as Police Chief for Afton until his retirement in 2018. John has been actively involved with the Central Iowa CISM Team, advocating for public safety employees and retirees through peer support programs and education.

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First Responders face unique challenges that can significantly impact sleep, recovery, and overall well-being.  This training will provide participants with a practical understanding of how shift work, trauma exposure, and chronic stress affects the body's natural recovery processes.  Participants will learn the role of the autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve in stress regulation, explore circadian rhythms and the effects of sleep deprivation, and gain evidence-based strategies to improve sleep quality and recovery.  

This training includes practical techniques specifically designed for First Responders including somatic practices, breath awareness, trauma-informed relaxation through Yoga Nidra, and sleep hygiene strategies that can be incorporated into daily routines.  Participants will also receive sleep recovery resources and actively engage in a guided sleep recovery practice, leaving with practical tools to enhance resilience, operational readiness, and long-term physical and mental wellness.