Wallowa County

Joel Fish has almost 28 years of full-time law enforcement experience. Joel began his career as a police officer with the City of Hickory, North Carolina in March 1987. Joel enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1989 and entered as a security police officer in February 1990. Joel was stationed in Keflavik, Iceland and Bossier City, Louisiana during his time in service. Joel served as a deputy sheriff and detective sergeant for the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office in Statesville, North Carolina prior to joining the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office in 1998.

Joel was promoted up through the ranks before obtaining the rank of captain. Joel served at different times as captain of the Criminal Investigation/Narcotics Division, the Patrol Division, and the Community Relations Division, which included court security, crime prevention, and school resource officers. Joel also served as the lead firearms instructor/range master, the Crisis Intervention Team leader, and the Search Team leader. 

While working for Catawba County, Joel obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Gardner-Webb University and his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology from Appalachian State University. Joel also worked as an adjunct professor for Gardner-Webb University and as an instructor for Catawba Valley Community College at night.

In May 2016, Joel retired after 18 years with Catawba County and became the Chief of Police for the City of Enterprise, Oregon. Joel became involved with the school and the community. Citizens of Wallowa County encouraged Joel to run for the Wallowa County Office of Sheriff. In November 2020, Joel was elected as Wallowa County Sheriff and took office on January 4th, 2021. Sheriff Fish continues to serve on various boards and committees. He is also working to be more involved with the county schools.

Joel has been married to his wife Cathy for over 30 years. They have a teenage son at home and a daughter who works as a mental health therapist in Charlotte, North Carolina.