Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that flags on all state government buildings would be flown at half-staff on Saturday, Dec. 20, in honor of Michael Ryan, a Phoenicia Fire District firefighter and commissioner who died in the line of duty Saturday, Dec. 13.
Ryan served in the military and spent 25 years with the Kingston Police Department, where he worked with the KPD Honor Guard and was a member of the Ulster County Law Enforcement Training Group, according to his obituary.
He also served the Town of Ulster Police Department and, after retiring in 2021, continued mentoring and training recruits at the Police Academy. Ryan dedicated himself to local fire service as commissioner of the M.F. Whitney Hose Co.
On Dec. 13, 2025, Ryan died in the line of duty while rescuing an injured hiker in the Catskill Mountains.
“With a distinguished career in the military, as a member of law enforcement and as a firefighter, Commissioner Michael Ryan spent more than four decades as a public servant working selflessly to protect others,” Hochul said. “I extend my deepest condolences to Michael’s loved ones and colleagues as they remember his life and legacy. His unwavering dedication to service will not be forgotten.”
Along with his decades of public service, Ryan was a devoted husband of 38 years to Debra Jo Ryan and a beloved son, brother and uncle.
Flags on all state government buildings are being flown at half-staff today, from sunrise to sunset, in Ryan’s honor.