A Remembrance of Harvey Hob Ryan
National Fire and Emergency Services DinnerWashington Hilton April 30, 2003
April 30, 2003
When I come here to speak to all of you – and this isn’t my first visit – I’ve always been struck by the extraordinary spirit among firefighters.
There’s a camaraderie and a commitment that is unique and – quite frankly – heartwarming.
This is a family and, like all families, you hold on to each other – you reach out to each other, you’re there for each other, and when one of us falls, all of us feel the loss.
Just two weeks ago I attended a service for one of the family one of the best and most dedicated professional firefighters in Delaware. Some of you may have known him. Certainly everyone here from Delaware knew him.
His name is Harvey “Hob” Ryan. He was 78 years old and he was with the Holloway Terrace Fire Company – a life member, a past officer of every professional organization, one of the founders of the fire school and one of the best.
Hob personified everything good and honorable about firefighting. He had courage. He cared. He wanted to serve.
He was a professional who believed that the best schooling makes the best firefighter. And he put his beliefs into practice every day.
There was no better example of what it means to stand a post on the frontline of what is now part of our Homeland Security force than the life and work of Hob Ryan.
I had the pleasure of spending time with his brother John and his widow Joan.
They told me that Hob’s father was also a member of the company, so I guess it runs in the family.
I won’t take anymore time tonight, but I would like to ask you yo join me in a moment of silence for Hob Ryan.
Thank you and have a great evening.
