Joe Rizzi has previously served as the emergency manager for the city of Eugene, Oregon and the director of Emergency Management for Multnomah County in Portland, Oregon. As a member of the track and field squad in high school, Joe Rizzi threw the discus.The discus event involves a male or female athlete throwing a metal disc (men two kg and 22 cm; women one kg and 18 cm) as far they can without leaving a circle that is two-and-a-half meters in diameter. The distance of the throw is measured from the back half of the circle, provided that the discus lands within the boundaries and the thrower has not stepped outside the circle prior to the discus reaching the ground.A discus throw usually involves one-and-a-half spins before being released, and the competitor is allowed to make between four and six attempts during a meet. First prize goes to the thrower with the longest single throw, but if there is a tie, the second-longest throw will decide the winner.
In 2013, Joe Rizzi worked as the director of emergency management at Multnomah County in Portland, Oregon. In his free time, Joe Rizzi enjoys fly fishing in the rivers around the state of Oregon.The Quiet Waters Ranch in Montana is owned by the Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation, a nonprofit organization that teaches combat veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq basic and advanced fly-fishing techniques. Every year, groups of half a dozen veterans spend six days at the ranch learning fly fishing. The ranch accommodates around 10 groups each year.Veterans start the program on a Monday by acquiring and learning how to use fishing gear. They are equipped with fly rods, boots, waders, jackets, shirts, and various other necessities of the sport. On day 5, Warrior and Quiet Waters volunteers gather the participants and share one last meal called the Sayonara Dinner.During that time, the veterans open up about their experiences of three full days of fly fishing as well as how the program affected them. The veterans typically discuss personal issues they may have resolved during the trip, or they just share their appreciation for the fishing and learning experience.Since fly fishing is challenging and rewarding in itself, the rhythm and process that the technique offers helps people with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. Such activities are known to help prevent the mind from wandering and to have a calming effect at the same time.
Joe Rizzo has built an accomplished career as an emergency management professional through his work with a number of governmental entities across Oregon. During his time as president of the Oregon Emergency Management Association (OEMA), Joe Rizzo played a key role in organizing such events as the annual conference. Every year, OEMA hosts a conference that welcomes its 300-plus members in addition to other professionals in the emergency management industry. In 2016, the organization continued this tradition by holding the event October 4-6 at the Salishan Spa and Golf Resort in Gleneden Beach. The conference opened with a color guard show and tribal blessing before attendees had the opportunity to attend a number of educational sessions. These sessions covered current trends in the emergency management industry and a number of other topics, such as overcoming arguments against preparedness and the lessons learned from the Loma Prieta earthquake.As part of the proceedings, the OEMA annual conference also hosted a number of keynote speakers. Among those on hand to share their expertise were Dr. Brittany Brand, a professor in the Department of Geosciences at Boise State University, and retired lieutenant general Russel L. Honore, who commanded military relief efforts along the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina.
Joe Rizzi has held numerous emergency management leadership positions, including director of emergency management for the City of Eugene, Oregon, and director of emergency management for Multnomah County. Outside of work, Joe Rizzi enjoys fishing Oregon’s numerous rivers and streams.Some Oregon rivers that attract visitors who enjoy outdoor sports include:- McKenzie River. In addition to its blue pools, numerous cascades, and beautiful cliff views, the McKenzie River features a 26-mile mountain biking trail. Those who enjoy fishing can also find three species of native trout in the McKenzie River.- Rogue River. One of the most well-known rivers in the state, the Rogue River starts near Crater Lake and extends 200 miles to Gold Beach. The Rogue River attracts both white-water rafters and anglers looking to catch steelhead trout.- Clackamas River. Located near Portland, the Clackamas River is the biggest river west of the state’s Cascade Mountains. Visitors enjoy activities such as kayaking, rafting, and even tubing down the Clackamas River.
