By Diane Pineiro-Zucker
Daily Freeman, Kingston, N.Y.
SHANDAKEN, N.Y. — Phoenicia firefighter and Fire District Commissioner Michael J. Ryan died Saturday while helping to rescue an injured hiker in Shandaken, officials said Monday.
Ryan’s career included stints as the town of Ulster Police Department, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, the Kingston Police Department and the U.S. Air Force, officials said.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, at about 5:30 p.m. Ryan and a crew from the Phoenicia Fire Department responded to a report of an injured hiker about a half mile into a wooded area, said a press release from County Executive Jen Metzger.
While in a wooded area, Ryan “suffered a sudden medical emergency and went into cardiac arrest,” the executive’s office said.
Fellow Phoenicia firefighters, assisted by the state Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers, Shandaken police and Shandaken EMS initiated life-saving measures at the scene and despite their efforts, Ryan died, Metzger’s office said.
“Ryan served the Phoenicia Fire District with dedication and commitment, both as a firefighter and as a fire district commissioner. His passing is a profound loss to the department and the community,” Metzger’s office said.
“The Ulster County Department of Emergency Services and the Phoenicia Fire District extend their deepest condolences to the Ryan family during this difficult time,” Metzger’s office said in a statement.
In a Facebook post, the Kingston Police Department honored Ryan’s life “with profound sadness.” He was af former member of the Kingston department’s Emergency Services Unit, the department said.
“Mike dedicated his life to public service. He began his career with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and was hired by the City of Kingston Police Department in March of 1996. During his 25 years with KPD, Mike was a highly respected and dedicated member of the Emergency Services Unit, where he rose to the role of Team Leader,” the post said. “He played an integral role in tactical operations and training, including combat medical training, defensive tactics, and firearms instruction — not only for the Kingston Police Department, but throughout the region as a member of the Ulster County Law Enforcement Training Group .”
In addition to his role as an instructor, trainer and tactical operator, Ryan was “a proud member of KPD’s Honor Guard, representing the agency and the uniform in all our ceremonies, parades and formal functions,” the post continued.
Ulster Police Chief Kyle Barardi posted on Facebook, saying Ryan, “faithfully served the Ulster Police Department since 2021 as a Training Officer. Prior to coming to the Ulster Police Department he completed a distinguished 25 year career with the Kingston Police Department. Officer Ryan was an integral part of the the Ulster Police Department whether he was instilling his knowledge and experience in new recruits as an Academy Instructor at the Ulster County Law Enforcement Training Group Police Academy, teaching current officers during our in service training cycles, or operating as a tactical operator on the Kingston/Ulster Emergency Services Unit. Officer Ryan was always looking to help members grow in their knowledge and skill set.”
Before joining local law enforcement and fire services, Ryan servied in the U.S. Air Force, Berardi said.
“Mike continued his commitment to serving others by taking on a training role with the Town of Ulster Police Department, a position he held until the time of his passing,” Kingston police said. “Officer Ryan held himself to the highest professional standards and truly dedicated his life to public service. His loss will be felt deeply across our entire region, as he touched countless lives through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to others.”
“Mike dedicated his life to public service. He began his career with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and was hired by the City of Kingston Police Department in March of 1996. During his 25 years with KPD, Mike was a highly respected and dedicated member of the Emergency Services Unit, where he rose to the role of Team Leader. He played an integral role in tactical operations and training, including combat medical training, defensive tactics, and firearms instruction—not only for the Kingston Police Department, but throughout the region as a member of the Ulster County Law Enforcement Training Group,” Kingston police said.
In a Facebook post, the Ulster Hose fire department said Ryan was, “a shining example of community service and he will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”
Funeral arrangements are being handled the E.B. Gormley Funeral Home in Phoenicia.
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