Veteran Cop and Fire Commissioner, 61, Dies While Rescuing Injured Hiker in Catskill Mountains

A volunteer firefighter and fire commissioner died while responding to an emergency in the Catskill Mountains in southeastern New York.

At about 5:26 p.m. local time on Saturday, Dec. 13, the Phoenicia Volunteer Fire Department received an SOS from a hiker on Panther Mountain who had injured his lower leg, according to Syracuse.com and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Firefighters were escorting the 20-year-old New Jersey resident down the trail after securing him for transport when Phoenicia Fire District Commissioner Michael Ryan suffered cardiac arrest. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) rangers began CPR, and paramedics later took over care, the agency said in a news release.

“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,” the U.S. Fire Administration said.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton confirmed in the release that Ryan died at Margaretville Hospital and offered condolences.

“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,” Lefton said, adding that he “exemplified leadership” through his service to the community and partnership with DEC. “We offer our heartfelt sympathies and gratitude to Firefighter Ryan’s family, fellow firefighters, community, and all who loved him,” she added.

In a tribute shared on Facebook, the Phoenicia Fire District wrote, “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.”

The district added that Ryan spent 45 years in the fire service, serving for decades as an active firefighter and most recently as a member of the Phoenicia Fire District Board of Commissioners. “His commitment to public service never wavered,” the post said.

According to Ryan’s obituary, he served in the military and later worked for 25 years with the Kingston Police Department. He also served with the Town of Ulster Police Department.

“After his so-called ‘retirement’ in 2021, Michael’s passion for service remained undiminished,” the obituary states, noting that he continued instructing recruits at the Police Academy.

The obituary also described his death as the “ultimate sacrifice” and said his legacy would endure, quoting his nephew: “There’s a lot of people alive because of him.”

Ryan is survived by his wife, Debra Jo Ryan, his mother, Finola Ryan, and his siblings.