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

A rescuer died while responding to an emergency in the Catskill Mountains in Southeastern New York.

At around 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 taking the New Jersey resident, 20, down the trail after packaging him safely, when Phoenicia Fire District Commissioner, Michael Ryan, went into cardiac arrest. Rangers began CPR on Ryan, 61, before he was met by paramedics, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) 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,” 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.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton expressed her condolences in a news release, while confirming that Ryan died at Margaretville Hospital.

“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, adding, “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,” she concluded.

Paying tribute to Ryan, 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.”

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According to his obituary, Ryan served in the military before working for 25 years in the Kingston Police Department. He also worked in the Town of Ulster Police Department.

“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.’ ”

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