A fire commissioner and veteran police officer has sadly died while trying to rescue a hiker from the Catskill Mountains in New York. The tragic incident happened on December 13.
According to Syracuse.com, Phoenicia Fire District Commissioner Michael Ryan died while assisting the hiker down the trail. The first responder went into cardiac arrest. Despite the rangers attempting CPR, Ryan passed away from the medical emergency.
"Fellow first responders provided immediate lifesaving measures and transported Firefighter/Fire Commissioner Ryan to a local hospital where, despite all efforts, he was pronounced deceased," said the U.S. Fire Administration.
"Firefighter/Fire Commissioner Ryan served the Phoenicia Fire District as both a firefighter and the District Fire Commissioner," they concluded.
"I join our DEC Forest Rangers and the entire State of New York in mourning the loss of Phoenicia Fire District Commissioner and Firefighter Michael Ryan," said Lefton. "Firefighter Ryan exemplified leadership in his role in protecting his community and his partnership with DEC. We offer our heartfelt sympathies and gratitude to Firefighter Ryan's family, fellow firefighters, community, and all who loved him."
Fire Commissioner Dies
Others also paid tribute to the fire commissioner as well.
The Phoenicia Fire District wrote on Facebook, "It is with deep sorrow that the Phoenicia Fire District honors the life and service of Michael 'Mike' Ryan, who passed away in the line of duty while responding to an injured hiker in Shandaken."
They added, "Mike dedicated 45 years of his life to the fire service. He served our community as an active firefighter for decades and most recently as a member of the Phoenicia Fire District Board of Commissioners. His commitment to public service never wavered."
"After his so-called 'retirement' in 2021, Michael's passion for service remained undiminished," according to the obituary. "He continued to instruct recruits at the Police Academy, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of law enforcement officers."
"While rescuing an injured hiker in the woods, Michael made the ultimate sacrifice, a fitting tribute to a man who always put the lives of others before his own," the obituary continued. "His legacy of heroism and selflessness will undoubtedly live on, as his nephew poignantly remarked, 'There's a lot of people alive because of him.' "
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