Michael Ryan, 61, a longtime Phoenicia Fire District commissioner, suffered cardiac arrest and died while helping rescue an injured hiker on Panther Mountain on Dec. 13. DEC Forest Rangers began CPR on scene and paramedics transported him to Margaretville Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Ryan had 45 years of fire service experience, previously served in the military and spent 25 years with the Kingston Police Department, and continued teaching recruits after retiring in 2021. His colleagues and state officials paid tribute to his leadership and sacrifice.
Veteran Fire Commissioner, 61, Dies of Cardiac Arrest While Rescuing Hiker in the Catskills
Phoenicia Fire District FacebookMichael Joseph Ryan
Michael Ryan, a 61-year-old commissioner with the Phoenicia Fire District, suffered a cardiac arrest and died while helping rescue an injured hiker on Panther Mountain in the Catskill Mountains on Saturday, Dec. 13.
At about 5:26 p.m., the Phoenicia Volunteer Fire Department received an SOS from a 20-year-old New Jersey resident who had injured his lower leg on the trail, according to Syracuse.com and the U.S. Fire Administration. Firefighters packaged the injured hiker for transport and began carrying him down the trail when Ryan collapsed.
Phoenicia Fire District FacebookMichael Joseph Ryan
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers immediately began CPR on Ryan. Paramedics met the rescue team on the trail and transported him to Margaretville Hospital, where, despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced deceased, the U.S. Fire Administration said.
Tributes and Service
The Phoenicia Fire District honored Ryan on Facebook, saying he "dedicated 45 years of his life to the fire service" and served both as an active firefighter and as a District Fire Commissioner. DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton expressed condolences and praised his leadership and partnership with the DEC.
GettyCatskill Mountains
"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 in a statement.
According to his obituary, Ryan served in the military and spent 25 years with the Kingston Police Department before also working for the Town of Ulster Police Department. After his formal retirement in 2021, he continued to instruct recruits at the Police Academy.
Legacy
Family and colleagues described Ryan's death as a sacrifice made in service to others. His obituary notes his nephew's remark: "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.
This incident underscores the risks first responders accept while aiding others in remote and rugged conditions.
