Gregory T. Orth began his career in Woodbury in 1971 after graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in sociology. He was a patrol officer for approximately four years and was promoted to Police Chief in 1975. At that time, Woodbury had a population of approximately 7,000 and the department had five police officers. As the city continued to grow and evolve, there was a need for a public safety director. Greg filled that role which included oversight of Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Management.

Greg led the Public Safety Department during years of phenomenal growth. When he retired in 2002, the city’s population was 50,000 and the number of sworn officers was 48. Many police officers had been cross-trained as paramedics. The Fire Services Division had six full time firefighters and a paid-on-call contingency of 65. Greg's legacy will live on in the department in the professional, customer service culture that he "created".

Near the end of his career (2000), Greg created the Woodbury Public Safety Board. He couldn’t serve on the board while he was actively employed by the City, but joined as soon as he retired. He soon became president of the Board and was able to continue to make contributions to the Woodbury Public Safety Department through his volunteer work with the Board.

When Greg was elected as Washington County Commissioner in 2006, he gave up his seat as president of the Public Safety Board, but remained an active member until the time of his death.

On January 12, 2008, Greg lost his life in a tragic accident. The members of the Woodbury Public Safety Board are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague. We are proud to continue to serve in the wonderful organization that Greg created. Though he will truly be missed, his legacy will live on.

A few words from Greg:

"I created the Board in 1999 – 2000. As a city employee, I could not serve on the Board; but when I retired in 2002 I joined. I created the Board to assist Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services to continue to make Woodbury one of the safest and most wonderful cities to live, work and visit. The Board has been quite effective. "

"My continued relationship with police, fire, and EMS is very positive for me. They are doing very well. In community surveys they are rated very high by the residents! I enjoy getting effective equipment for them and assisting in community education on public safety items."