Born and raised in Southern California, Ryan moved to the Great Northwest in 1992. He began his fire service career in Kitsap County in January of 1994 and was hired by South King Fire & Rescue in September of 1998. Ryan is an active member of South King Fire & Rescue serving on various committees including the Safety Committee, Strategic Leadership Planning Team, Hiring Committee, Negotiations Committee, and Joint Labor Management Committee. Elected to the Local Executive Board in 2003 as Secretary and after serving 5 years, was elected to the position of President of IAFF Local 2024.