John Coulter

Executive Director

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.