On Saturday, December 20th, from all over Upstate New York folks gathered in Phoenicia and Shandaken to honor the life of Michael Ryan. As the dozens of first responder vehicles set up by lining Rt 28, Phoenicia closed off Main Street with dozens more groups of fire fighters and police officers congregated along the sidewalks listening to the service broadcast on speakers outside the small church.
At a memorial service held at St. Francis de Sales Church, loved ones reflected on Michael’s character, values, and lifelong dedication to service. One remembrance shared during the service recalled a photograph of Michael at age 12, holding an American flag, “not as a flag waver, but as a flag bearer,” a sentiment that captured the spirit he carried throughout his life.
Following the service, first responders from across the Catskills and the Hudson Valley escorted Michael Ryan and his family to Shandaken Rural Cemetery. As the procession arrived, hundreds of first responders stood in solemn salute while bagpipes echoed along Route 28, creating a powerful tribute to a life of service and a family supported by an entire region.
Ryan served his country in the military, his community as a Kingston police officer, and continued his dedication to public service as the Ulster County Fire Commissioner. Hundreds of first responders from the Catskills and Hudson Valley region paid their respects to a fallen hero.
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