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News Release

06-25-26 Commissioners Highlight Growth Of Emergency Management Department Since 2023 Expansion - 06/25/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 25, 2026

 

Commissioners Highlight Growth of Emergency Management

Department Since 2023 Expansion

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman are highlighting the continued growth and impact of our Emergency Management Department following its evolution from a division into a full-fledged County Department in October 2023. This strategic move has strengthened the County’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies of all types. Check out the Douglas County YouTube channel for a new video about how our Douglas County Emergency Management Department is working for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63lINswEytc.  

 

The transition to a department-level structure came in response to increasing demands on emergency services and the growing complexity of disasters impacting Douglas County over the past decade. By formalizing Emergency Management as a standalone department, the County enhanced coordination, expanded capacity, and positioned itself to better serve residents during times of crisis.  Up until 2023, the Douglas County Emergency Management division operated behind the scenes preparing plans and procedures for responding to and recovering from disasters and emergency events as a part of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). 

 

Like many other county-led emergency management programs across the United States, Douglas County’s disaster response and emergency preparedness programs were brought into existence following the creation of the Federal Civil Defense program and the creation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1979.  Sheriff Norm Neal (1981-1989) is credited with helping to develop the first Civil Defense program in Douglas County within the DCSO in the 1980s.  Wayne Stinson spent the better part of his 50-year career building the foundation for the successful emergency management program the County has today.  Wayne retired from the County on September 1, 2023, and Emily Ring was appointed as Emergency Manager, continuing to build on that strong foundation. In recognition of her leadership and impact, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management named her Oregon’s 2025 Emergency Management Professional of the Year.  The department also includes an Assistant Emergency Manager position, who supports the County’s emergency management program across all hazards, assisting with preparedness, response, recovery, grants, public outreach, alert systems, and volunteer coordination.

 

The decision to evolve into a standalone department proved especially critical during the Spring Flood and storm events of 2025, the largest incident of the year, which required sustained response and recovery efforts extending into late fall. Emergency Management staff worked closely with local partners, volunteer organizations, and agencies such as FEMA and the Oregon Office of Emergency Management to document damage, pursue disaster funding, and assist impacted residents.  In addition to flood response, the department supported wildfire season operations by coordinating information, providing resource support, and issuing alerts and warnings to keep the public informed.

 

Despite the demands of emergency response, the department has continued to expand its programs and community impact. In 2025, key accomplishments included:

  • Participation in 19 community outreach events
  • Hosting one full-scale and two functional emergency exercises
  • Management of six grant-funded projects and introduction of four new training courses
  • Collaboration with 13 County departments to strengthen Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP)
  • Approximately 200 hours of direct disaster response and recovery support, plus additional volunteer coordination efforts

 

“Emergency management today goes far beyond response, it requires year-round planning, training, and community engagement,” stated Commissioner and Emergency Management Liaison Tim Freeman. “The decision to elevate this work into a full department in 2023 has allowed Douglas County to meet these growing responsibilities with greater coordination and effectiveness, and the Commissioners are proud of the outstanding work Emily and Tyler have done to make that progress possible.”

 

Community outreach remains a cornerstone of Douglas County’s Emergency Management Department mission. In 2025, staff delivered approximately 60 hours of public presentations, reaching residents through preparedness fairs, school programs, and targeted outreach to vulnerable populations. Efforts included Emergency Communications 101 trainings, partnerships with local schools, and health organizations, and engagement with volunteer groups such as CERT and amateur radio (ARES) operators.

 

The department also played a key role in supporting partner agencies by assisting with training exercises, planning updates, and specialized programs. These efforts included hospital drills, school reunification exercises, wildfire planning support, and emergency communications training for County staff and volunteers.

 

Looking ahead, Douglas County Emergency Management continues to prepare for evolving challenges, including uncertainties related to national funding and emergency response systems. In early 2026, the department helped lead and participated in the Operation Umpqua Rail Rescue hazardous materials full-scale exercise, bringing together city, county, state, and federal partners to strengthen coordination and readiness.

 

By evolving into a full department in October 2023, Douglas County Emergency Management has significantly expanded its reach and capabilities, reinforcing the Board of Commissioners’ commitment to public safety and ensuring the community is better prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.  For more information about Douglas County Emergency Management programs and preparedness resources visit www.douglascountyor.gov/856/Emergency-Management.

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Affairs Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 |

Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

06-25-26 Commissioners Highlight Growth Of Emergency Management Department Since 2023 Expansion - 06/25/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 25, 2026

 

Commissioners Highlight Growth of Emergency Management

Department Since 2023 Expansion

 

(Douglas County, Ore.)  Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman are highlighting the continued growth and impact of our Emergency Management Department following its evolution from a division into a full-fledged County Department in October 2023. This strategic move has strengthened the County’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies of all types. Check out the Douglas County YouTube channel for a new video about how our Douglas County Emergency Management Department is working for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63lINswEytc.  

 

The transition to a department-level structure came in response to increasing demands on emergency services and the growing complexity of disasters impacting Douglas County over the past decade. By formalizing Emergency Management as a standalone department, the County enhanced coordination, expanded capacity, and positioned itself to better serve residents during times of crisis.  Up until 2023, the Douglas County Emergency Management division operated behind the scenes preparing plans and procedures for responding to and recovering from disasters and emergency events as a part of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). 

 

Like many other county-led emergency management programs across the United States, Douglas County’s disaster response and emergency preparedness programs were brought into existence following the creation of the Federal Civil Defense program and the creation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1979.  Sheriff Norm Neal (1981-1989) is credited with helping to develop the first Civil Defense program in Douglas County within the DCSO in the 1980s.  Wayne Stinson spent the better part of his 50-year career building the foundation for the successful emergency management program the County has today.  Wayne retired from the County on September 1, 2023, and Emily Ring was appointed as Emergency Manager, continuing to build on that strong foundation. In recognition of her leadership and impact, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management named her Oregon’s 2025 Emergency Management Professional of the Year.  The department also includes an Assistant Emergency Manager position, who supports the County’s emergency management program across all hazards, assisting with preparedness, response, recovery, grants, public outreach, alert systems, and volunteer coordination.

 

The decision to evolve into a standalone department proved especially critical during the Spring Flood and storm events of 2025, the largest incident of the year, which required sustained response and recovery efforts extending into late fall. Emergency Management staff worked closely with local partners, volunteer organizations, and agencies such as FEMA and the Oregon Office of Emergency Management to document damage, pursue disaster funding, and assist impacted residents.  In addition to flood response, the department supported wildfire season operations by coordinating information, providing resource support, and issuing alerts and warnings to keep the public informed.

 

Despite the demands of emergency response, the department has continued to expand its programs and community impact. In 2025, key accomplishments included:

  • Participation in 19 community outreach events
  • Hosting one full-scale and two functional emergency exercises
  • Management of six grant-funded projects and introduction of four new training courses
  • Collaboration with 13 County departments to strengthen Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP)
  • Approximately 200 hours of direct disaster response and recovery support, plus additional volunteer coordination efforts

 

“Emergency management today goes far beyond response, it requires year-round planning, training, and community engagement,” stated Commissioner and Emergency Management Liaison Tim Freeman. “The decision to elevate this work into a full department in 2023 has allowed Douglas County to meet these growing responsibilities with greater coordination and effectiveness, and the Commissioners are proud of the outstanding work Emily and Tyler have done to make that progress possible.”

 

Community outreach remains a cornerstone of Douglas County’s Emergency Management Department mission. In 2025, staff delivered approximately 60 hours of public presentations, reaching residents through preparedness fairs, school programs, and targeted outreach to vulnerable populations. Efforts included Emergency Communications 101 trainings, partnerships with local schools, and health organizations, and engagement with volunteer groups such as CERT and amateur radio (ARES) operators.

 

The department also played a key role in supporting partner agencies by assisting with training exercises, planning updates, and specialized programs. These efforts included hospital drills, school reunification exercises, wildfire planning support, and emergency communications training for County staff and volunteers.

 

Looking ahead, Douglas County Emergency Management continues to prepare for evolving challenges, including uncertainties related to national funding and emergency response systems. In early 2026, the department helped lead and participated in the Operation Umpqua Rail Rescue hazardous materials full-scale exercise, bringing together city, county, state, and federal partners to strengthen coordination and readiness.

 

By evolving into a full department in October 2023, Douglas County Emergency Management has significantly expanded its reach and capabilities, reinforcing the Board of Commissioners’ commitment to public safety and ensuring the community is better prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.  For more information about Douglas County Emergency Management programs and preparedness resources visit www.douglascountyor.gov/856/Emergency-Management.

 

###

 

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Affairs Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 |

Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov