• BEATS WORKING
  • Posts
  • When Compassion is Your Job with Police & Fire Chaplain Mike Ryan

When Compassion is Your Job with Police & Fire Chaplain Mike Ryan

March 18, 2024

Imagine having to be the person who tells someone a family member has died. That’s part of Chaplain Mike Ryan’s job, serving police and fire agencies on King County’s Eastside (five agencies covering nearly 10 communities). In fact, in a recent year, Mike responded to more than 100 death scenes to comfort and help grieving families. 

Mike’s story is a fascinating one. He won a national football championship as a lineman at USC and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders, but he chose to go into the ministry instead. He has since dedicated his life to helping families through trauma and grief—and ensuring first responders get the care they need to stay emotionally healthy.

“Firefighting runs in Mike’s family,” says BEATS WORKING host Mark Wright, “but after meeting him, I learned it takes a very special person to do the job he does, see the things he sees, and deal with the trauma that comes with death. Our conversation transcends the boundaries of work, reflecting on a life spent in the service of others’ most critical moments.”

Resources from the episode: 

  1. Connect with Mike Ryan on ⁠LinkedIn⁠. 

  2. Learn more about Eastside Fire & Rescue’s Chaplain Program ⁠here⁠. 

Share Article on Social Media

Transcript

Transcript – Coming Soon!

The following transcript is not certified. Although the transcription is largely accurate, in some cases it is incomplete or inaccurate due to inaudible passages or transcription errors. The information contained within this document is for general information purposes only.