Ryan Bauer

Experienced Company Officer known for driving operational excellence and fostering teamwork in high-stress environments. Expertise in emergency response and crew training, ready to contribute to enhancing safety and effectiveness within the fire department.

• Rescue 1 - Firefighter/Driver (18 years)
• 2002-2018 Swiftwater Rescue Team - Boat Operator (16 years)
• 2006-2020 Hazmat Team - Entry Team (14 years)
• 2018-Present Drone Ops Team Leader/Coordinator (7 years)

• NIMS 100/200/300/400/700/800
• Blue Card Command Certified
• ASIM - Active Shooter Incident Management (300 level)
• AEMT - advanced Basic EMT
• Firefighter I/II
• Fire Instructor I/II
• Fire Officer I/II
• Fire Officer Strategies & Tactics
• Driver/Pump Ops
• Fire Inspector I
• Safety Officer
• RIT Instructor
• Live Fire Instructor (Nov. 2025)
• Rope Rescue Technician
• Hazmat Technician
• Extrication Technician
• Indiana River Rescue
• HAZMAT IQ/RAD IQ
• HAZMAT Cargo Tank Emergencies
• HAZMAT Bio-fuels, Gaseous fuels, Electric Drive and Hydrogen
• Technical Rescue Awareness
• Recruit School Instructor

• Board of Directors, Covenant Christian School (2009-2017)
• Leadership SBM Graduate
• LEPC/EMA Member - St. Joseph County EMA
• Participated in several EMA Mass Casualty Exercises

In 2017, I was given a task by Fire Chief Steve Cox to develop and implement a Drone team as part of our Special Operations Division. Our goal was to explore the new technology of Drones and how they would benefit the South Bend Fire Department and other public safety organizations. I researched all aspects of drone use, wrote the standard operating procedures, met with the Mayor and his staff for overall approval, organized and created the first ever Drone Ops team of it's kind. Now with 24 pilots and 4 front line drones, our team supports every aspect of our department. We help pre-plan buildings, give real-time critical information to our incident commanders at every structure fire or emergency response, help with training and public education. Our Drones and technology are helping mitigate responses faster and more efficient while keeping our firefighters and public safety officials safe. As the Drone Ops Coordinator, I manage new pilot orientation, on-boarding, FAA certifications, and all shift trainings. I work with many other local and regional agencies, creating a network of pilots for mutual aid and disaster mitigation.

I have been married to Lori, my high school sweetheart, for 29 years.  The Lord blessed us with an amazing daughter, Brooklyn, who is now 19 and a sophomore at IUSB with plans to complete the BSN program.  My wife Lori has been a Registered Nurse for nearly 30 years.  As a firefighter/nurse family we have dedicated the majority of our lives to helping others in our community.  Our desire to serve led to the calling to start our own company called LIQUID THERAPY LLC, mobile IV nurses & medics.  We serve clients in the Michiana area who are in need of IV hydration or IV vitamin therapy on a mobile basis in their home, workplace, or wherever we are needed.  Our passion is wellness, however we serve children, adults, and the elderly population during acute illness as well.  Part of our vision was to support our local emergency departments by keeping them free for true medical emergencies and help clients in their home environment.  We attend The Vineyard Church where we are blessed and grateful christians. We seek to keep God centered in our lives, family, and work.  We enjoy traveling, fishing, boating, water sports, concerts, and anything water related.

• Battalion Chief Chris Baker 102-A
• Battalion Chief James Jones 103-C
• Battalion Chief Brian Koloszar 102-C
• Captain Steve Pritz Rescue 1-B