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ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm John

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WHERE I COME FROM

I am a lifelong resident of Westmoreland County.  Residing in Hempfield Township with my wife Dr. Melissa Ackerman and daughter Bel and a whole lot of dogs.
I am running for Coroner because I believe in our community’s potential and the need for strong, compassionate leadership.

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A THRIVING CAREER

I have spent my career serving Westmoreland County through:

  • Serving as Deputy Coroner for 18 years for Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office

  • Investigating over 9,000 deaths

  • Attending over 500 forensic autopsies 

  • Training and handling Human Remains Detection Canines

  • Handling cases for Human Remains Detection Canine program

  • Board member and Human Remains Detection Canine Certifying Official with Law Enforcement Training Specialist, Inc., 

  • Presenter at Mercyhurst University for the Forensic Anthropology Short Courses. 

  • Member of the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team Region 

  • Completed numerous mass fatality response courses 

  • 25 years working as a part-time police officer

  • Serving as a Police Officer and Evidence Custodian with the Department of Veterans Affairs Police Department 

  • Deployed to Afghanistan to work with an elite military unit supporting Enduring Freedom.

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