Ryan Ray
Herriman,UT
Summary
Distinguished fire service executive with more than 20 years of progressively responsible experience in emergency services, including the last nine years serving as an Operations Battalion Chief with oversight of multi-company response districts and complex incident management. Proven record of strategic leadership, organizational development, and operational command within a dynamic municipal environment. Extensive experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets for the procurement, replacement, and lifecycle management of departmental apparatus and fleet assets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term operational readiness. Demonstrated expertise in personnel management, policy development, interagency coordination, and executive-level decision-making under critical conditions. Recognized for fostering accountability, professional growth, and a culture of operational excellence. Prepared to provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight in pursuit of the Deputy Fire Chief position.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Battalion Chief
South Jordan City Fire Department
South Jordan, UT
01.2017 - Current
- Oversee multiple fire stations and personnel during routine operations and emergency responses.
- Serve as Incident Commander or agency representative during large-scale incidents involving multiple jurisdictions.
- Coordinate resources and communication with outside agencies, including law enforcement, EMS, public works, and emergency management.
- Represent the department in joint operations, task forces, and regional planning efforts.
- Develop and implement operational strategies, training programs, and safety procedures.
- Provide mentorship and supervision to fire officers and staff.
- Oversees the department's procurement and continual maintenance of department vehicles and apparatus.
- Oversees and coordinates all departmental requests and deployments related to the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
- Oversees the city's Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan (CWPP).
- Oversees the wildland fire program within the department, demonstrating a commitment to effective management and strategic coordination.
Fire Captain
South Jordan City Fire Department
South Jordan, UT
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Led emergency response crews in fire suppression, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and EMS calls.
- Served as company officer and initial Incident Commander on emergency scenes.
- Worked closely with law enforcement, emergency medical services, and utility companies during field operations.
- Participated in regional mutual aid responses, including wildfires and disaster deployments.
- Conducted training and performance evaluations and maintained operational readiness of crew and equipment.
- Supported public outreach and fire prevention programs within the community.
- Assisted with developing operational procedures and participated in department committees.
Firefighter/AEMT
South Jordan City Fire Department
South Jordan, UT
08.2006 - 01.2015
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
- Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
- Utilized various fire apparatus to respond to service calls effectively.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Maintained strong knowledge of firefighting principles and suppression methods, which enabled proper decision-making in emergency situations.
- Drove and operated structural engines, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Emergency Services Administration
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT02-2022
High School Diploma -
Alta High School
Sandy, UT05-2000
Skills
- Emergency Incident Command (ICS/NIMS)
- Operational Efficiency
- Emergency Management
- Personnel Management
- Interagency Coordination
- Emergency Response Procedures
- Budget and Program Management
- Attention to Detail
- Decision-making
Accomplishments
- Provide executive oversight of the department’s fleet and apparatus program, including all procurement processes, contract negotiations, specifications development, and lifecycle management for front-line and reserve units.
- Assisted in developing and implementing a comprehensive, long-term fleet replacement plan aligning operational needs with fiscal forecasting and capital improvement planning.
- Successfully managed multi-million-dollar apparatus and equipment acquisitions, ensuring compliance with municipal purchasing policies and maintaining operational readiness.
- Directed and advanced the department’s Wildland Fire and Heavy Rescue Programs, strengthening operational preparedness, technical rescue capabilities, response effectiveness, and interagency coordination across multiple disciplines.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of the City’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), enhancing community risk reduction strategies, mitigation efforts, and stakeholder collaboration.
- Being selected as an Agent of the State (A-REP) for State of Utah in support of Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) deployments is a significant professional responsibility and honor.
initiatives a
Affiliations
- Salt Lake Regional IMT
- Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFC) – Member
Certification
- NWCG Firefighter Type 2 (FF2)
- NWCG Red Card
- NFPA Structure Firefighter 1
- NFPA Structure Firefighter 2
- Fire Company Officer I
- Fire Instructor I
- ADO - Pumper
- ADO - Aerial
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
- ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 (FEMA/NIMS)
Timeline
Operations Battalion Chief
South Jordan City Fire Department
01.2017 - Current
Fire Captain
South Jordan City Fire Department
01.2011 - 01.2017
Firefighter/AEMT
South Jordan City Fire Department
08.2006 - 01.2015
High School Diploma -
Alta High School
Bachelor of Science - Emergency Services Administration
Utah Valley University
References
- Available upon request