DeLong sets his top priority
By Terry Murry on Friday, June 30th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – Emergency Manager Sage DeLong is still learning the systems that the county utilizes in managing emergencies, but he’s firmly at ease with listing his first priority. He says it’s life.
“Property and businesses follow, but the significant factor when we’re updating plans and working together is to make sure that the people of Umatilla County have another day,” he said.
Shortly after he started his new job, two big fires on the west and east ends of the county saw him witnessing emergency management firsthand. He was impressed with the first responders, the state assets that were sent to the area, and the farmers and ranchers who helped control the blazes.
DeLong said his job might be to manage emergencies, but the true responsibility lies with those on the scene.
“They’ll be calling me for me to help out,” he said. “That’s how I roll with things, letting the individuals that are on scene with those emergencies tell me when they need me. Sometimes I’ll show up a little earlier, but I listen to their expertise.”
DeLong was Rep. Cliff Bentz’s field representative before taking the job with the county. He holds two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree from Eastern Oregon University where he also wrestled and played football.
