Upstate NY Volunteer Firefighter In Passes Away After Heroic Rescue

It's not often you hear about a real life hero. We hear about them in movies, television, books, and every other piece of fiction you can imagine, but it's rare to see a real person take on that mantle.

Upstate New York just saw one come through, who sacrificed himself to save another's life.

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The Rescue

On December 13th, a hiker from New Jersey attempted to hike the Catskill Mountains. Sometime in the evening, the New Jersey native sent an SOS signal while on Panther Mountain, stating that they had a lower-leg injury.

The Phoenicia Volunteer Fire Dept. responded immediately, and started helping the hiker down the trail. Rangers placed a splint on their leg, hypo-wrapped it, and were able to get him to the base and into an ambulance.

Tragedy Strikes

On the walk down, Fire Commissioner Michael Ryan went into cardiac arrest. Forest Rangers made their way to the scene to help with both the hiker and Ryan's injuries. They immediately started CPR, and, when that didn't work, carefully and quickly started helping him down the trail for more help.

At the base, he was met by paramedics who used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site. He was transferred to the nearby Margaretville Hospital, and was tragically found dead. The Phoenicia Fire District and the surrounding community is mourning Ryan, not only as a heroic firefighter, but as a loved and cherished veteran, leader, and hero.

Our thoughts, prayers, and well wishes go out to his family, friends, and brothers in arms, who lost one of Upstate's greatest residents.