When Ryan Daley first walked through the doors of the Halfmoon Bay Fire Department in May 1999, he was living in Burnaby, visiting his brother, hoping to volunteer and explore a career that had interested him since childhood.
Twenty-six years later, he's preparing to retire as fire chief, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the statistics of his career.
"As a young kid, you have those jobs that kind of speak to you," Daley reflects on what drew him to firefighting. "When I got older, I tried it."
That simple decision to try it “steamrolled” into a career that would span more than two decades and touch countless lives in the community he calls home.
Daley said one of his career's defining moments was saving a life from carbon monoxide poisoning while still a volunteer. "There's a time in your career when if you can save one life, your career is worth it," he says. "I got that opportunity."
One of Daley’s greatest prides comes from watching others grow. Over his 13 years as fire chief, he's mentored countless firefighters, notably his successor, Kody Raymond, who walked through those same department doors in 2012 during Daley’s first year as chief.
"Much like the young man Kody here, who's being my successor, came through my door just over 13 years ago," Ryan explains. "He showed the promise that he wanted to improve, and I got to watch him grow and help him through his career. Now I'm handing over the department to him, and I'm happy to do so because I have full faith in his ability."
The feeling is mutual. Kody speaks warmly of learning from Daley over the years, "I couldn't have asked for a better chief over that span, and I'm happy to be the one to continue what he started."
Daley takes comfort in completing his tenure without a single major safety incident, a testament to his commitment to protecting not just the community, but his own firefighters.
Whats next
Daley’s last day as fire chief is Friday, May 30.
Retirement won't mean complete separation from the department that became his life's work. Daley plans to return as a volunteer, supporting Kody while shedding "the hard work part" of leadership.
He's also considering a future in local politics, bringing his community-focused perspective to a new arena.
As Daley prepares to pass the torch, his advice to Kody reflects true leadership: "When you've got a decision to be made, make the right one for the community and the fire department, putting all other bias and opinions to the side."
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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