Story of Service: Joshua Smith, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Umatilla County | written by Jessica Hamner

In Eastern Oregon, Joshua Smith is quietly weaving a stronger, more connected public health preparedness safety net. As the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Umatilla County, Josh has spent the past eight months building bridges – between agencies, communities, and people – ensuring that when public health emergencies strike, the county is ready.

Josh describes his role simply: “I get out and build relationships.” But the impact of his work is anything but simple. He serves as a vital link between public health and the many organizations that support underserved populations in Umatilla County. From helping residential care and retirement homes navigate funding and preparedness, to strengthening the capacity of homeless services providers, to fostering collaboration with the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservations (CTUIR) Public Health Department, Josh’s work fills critical gaps in the county’s emergency preparedness landscape.

Josh’s journey to public health preparedness began in emergency services, where he spent over 21 years serving in Umatilla County. He was a firefighter paramedic for more than 13 years, preceded by four years as a volunteer. Before stepping into his current role, Josh enjoyed a stint as a stay-at-home dad and hobby farmer – his favorite job to date.

The transition to public health was a natural evolution. According to Josh, emergency preparedness in public health had enough overlap with his emergency services experience to make it interesting and enjoyable. Josh explains “There was enough new to learn to keep me engaged, but I already had the foundation to connect the dots.”

One of the most meaningful lessons that Josh carries into his public health work, from his time in emergency services is the importance of communication and teamwork. “This [human] relationship part of the work takes time and effort,” he reflects. “[When something happens], the response is the easy part – if you’ve built the relationships beforehand. You have to lean on each other and having that relationship takes work.”

Josh sees a deep connection between emergency response and volunteerism. “We’re not in this for the money,” he says. “You have to have a heart for it. That same drive to help, is what fuels volunteerism.” It’s a sentiment that resonates throughout his work and the community he serves.

For Josh, the best part of his job is working alongside people who are deeply passionate about helping others. He highlights organizations like Stepping Stones, a grant-funded program supporting the houseless, and Neighbor to Neighbor, a volunteer-driven initiative. “These are some of the most passionate people I’ve ever met,” he says. “Being able to support and promote their work is the best part of my job.”

Josh is also actively involved in regional preparedness efforts. On August 29, he served as a Technical Expert on chemical exposure decontamination during a Full-Scale Patient Decon Exercise at Good Shepherd Hospital in Hermiston. He is currently working with Kristy Tibbets, OHA Public Health Regional Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, to host a FEMA MGT-439 Pediatric Disaster Response and Emergency Preparedness course in Hermiston June 4-5, 2026.

The most challenging aspect of Josh’s role though, is navigating the complexity of local communication. “It’s not one person or one thing,” he explains. “It’s figuring out who’s talking to whom, who’s working where, and how to support them without stepping on toes.” Despite the challenge, Josh remains committed to fostering collaboration and clarity.

Josh is also quick to praise the preparedness community in Oregon. “It’s been one of the most welcoming professional communities I’ve ever been part of,” he shares. “People are willing to open up and talk to you like you’ve known each other for years.”

Joshua Smith’s story is one of dedication, connection, and quiet leadership. Through his work, Umatilla County is becoming more resilient, more prepared, and more united—one relationship at a time.