In times of crisis, the community needs people who can convey urgent safety information in a clear, efficient manner: In other words, someone to be the voice for the heroes.
That鈥檚 where alum Joshua Holder 鈥�19 has found his purpose.
A public relations outreach specialist for Osceola County Fire Rescue and EMS (Emergency Medical Services), Holder serves as the communication bridge between the community and those who work to protect them every day.
鈥淵ou never go to bed wondering what you’re doing it for,鈥� says Holder. 鈥淭here’s always a tangible, significant impact you can turn back to and say, 鈥楾his is why.鈥欌��
Finding His Calling
Holder grew up in Central Florida surrounded by public servants. His father spent a career in the fire service with Seminole County Fire Department. His mother worked in healthcare and education. His grandfather served in the military.
The pull toward serving others was something Holder felt called from a young age, and his time at UCF helped solidify what that would eventually look like for him.
It鈥檚 where he found the bachelor鈥檚 in public administration with a minor in emergency management and homeland security. Housed in the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE), the program’s emphasis on public budgeting, intergovernmental relations and the mechanics of how government functions 鈥� especially during major emergencies 鈥� gave him a foundation that has served him at every stage of his career since.
鈥淭he public administration degree provided me with a comfortable understanding of what it would be like working in the public sector, no matter where I ended up,鈥� he says. 鈥淭he knowledge of public budgeting, public processes, intergovernmental relations 鈥� all of that has been extremely helpful in allowing me to navigate and be successful in my role.鈥�
Gaining Valuable Experience as a Student
As a UCF student, Holder interned with the Seminole County Office of Emergency Management, which revealed his passion for public affairs and communications work in government. When he expressed that interest openly during the internship, doors opened. He connected with people working in community relations and public affairs for the county, which ultimately led to a full-time job offer that launched the career he has today.
鈥淲ithout that internship, I would not have been able to pivot into the career I have now,鈥� says Holder.
As part of the roughly 85% 色花堂 graduates who stay in the state to build their careers and contribute to Florida鈥檚 economy, Holder continues to find community through his beloved alma mater through his leadership roles on both UCF’s Young Alumni board and CCIE’s College Alumni Council.
鈥淚 knew when I graduated that I wanted to connect more with the university,鈥� says Holder, who was recognized as a UCF Alumni 30 Under 30 recipient in 2024. 鈥淏y being actively involved with UCF Alumni, you get an opportunity to see and support the incredible work that’s being done across so many different disciplines and meet people who feel the same. You can make professional connections through UCF Alumni 鈥� I’ve also made some of the best friends that I have through [these experiences].鈥�
Outreach in Public Service
As one of the largest fire rescue and EMS department in Central Florida, Osceola County Fire Rescue serves nearly 500,000 residents and millions of visitors across more than 1,500 square miles of unincorporated county.
Holder’s role sits at the center of all of it in shaping how the public learns, understands and interacts with the department before emergencies even occur.
From media relations to social media, community events and internal communications, his job is to cultivate and strengthen the relationship between the department and community 鈥� whether they are here to stay or just passing through.
鈥淎s a public service, we are always striving to demonstrate to the community that we are here, we are ready and we are capable,鈥� Holder says. 鈥淲hen we showcase the amazing people that we have in our organization, or the incredible training that we do on a wide variety of different response disciplines, all of those things hopefully create a sense of comfort and security among folks in the community so that they know they can call us.鈥�
