Mr. Craighton began his extensive scholarship at Iowa Christian College in 1981 where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Ministry. He pursued a new career path in 1982 earning certification as an EMT-A and continued to add to his skills with multiple certifications including EMT-I; Respiratory Therapy Technician; EMT-P; Paramedic Specialist; Critical Care Paramedic; State-endorsed EVOC Instructor; American Heart Association BLS Instructor/Trainer; Fire Fighter I; Fire Fighter II; and Fire Instructor I. He further pursued higher education earning an Associate of Applied Science at the California College of Health Sciences in 1990 and AHA ACLS Instructor credentials from North Iowa College. 

The Senior Executive has more than 40 years of experience across the emergency medical and fire services; healthcare, and continued education industries. He is considered an expert in emergency management, preparedness, safety, hazmat, flammable liquids training, and EMS. His services are often utilized in conflict resolution for public safety; within safety and security companies of all sizes; and serving those seeking assistance with personnel issues, business ethics, budgeting, grants, crisis management, and problem-solving. 

The industry professional has held many leadership positions with Franklin County Emergency Management; Franklin General Hospital; and Coulter Volunteer Fire Department. As the first Full-time Franklin County Emergency Management Coordinator, Mr. Craighton was tasked with establishing the role, launching the individual county Emergency Management office, and setting up 911 central communications/dispatching for the county.  He is currently serving in concurrent roles as a Hardin County Emergency Management Director; a Medicolegal Death Investigator for Hardin County; and is Training Specialist I with the Iowa State Fire Marshal, Fire Service Training Bureau. 

Dedicated to staying abreast of industry advancements, Mr. Craighton served as a member of a plethora of organizations including the IDPH Preparedness Advisory Committee where he served as Region 2 HPP Representative; National Fire Protection Association; Iowa Telecommunicators Training Advisory Board; Iowa E911 Council; National Association of EMTs; Iowa Society for Respiratory Care; National Board for Respiratory Care; and Iowa EMS Association where he served as secretary in 1998, has been a member of the Board of Directors from 1994-2000; 2002-present, and Legislative Chair from 2010 to 2013. He has held many leadership positions during his career including Chairperson of Region 2 Hospital Preparedness Committee 2009-present; Vice Chair of Region 2 Hospital Prepared; Chairperson of Region 2 Hospital Preparedness Committee 2001-2008, 2009-present; Coordinator of Franklin Medical Center, Inc. relocation project in July 1997; Co-Chair of the 1997 IEMSA Convention and Trade Show and chair in 1998; Chairman of Franklin General Hospital Fire/Safety Committee 1995-2013; President of the Franklin County EMS Association from 1995 to 2013; and President of North Central Iowa EMS serving as president from 1995-1998 and 2002-2014.

Mr. Craighton has participated in more than 37 trainings for specific skills related to his profession, including Telecommunicator Basic Training School including IOWA/NCIC Certification in 2014; Emergency Management Institute-FEMA-IS 002711 Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk in 2009; Homeland Security Region 2-School Safety and Terrorism Seminar in 2011; NATA Fire School-Fort Dodge-Fire Scene Rehab in 2008; and ISU Fire School-Life Safety Code Seminars for Health Care Facilities in 1997. He is considered an asset across emergency management, emergency medical services, fire services, healthcare, and continued education industries.