POCATELLO — After more than two decades of dedicated service, Pocatello Fire Chief Ryan O’Hearn is hanging up his helmet and retiring.

O’Hearn’s firefighting journey began in January 2002, driven by a desire to work in emergency medicine and pursue a career as a paramedic. He started as a firefighter, earned a series of promotions and was appointed fire chief in 2022.

“I seem to have averaged about six years in each of the positions that I worked,” O’Hearn said. “I was a firefighter for about six years. Then I moved to a paramedic and I did that for about six years. I was a captain for six years and then I was promoted to assistant chief, and then two years later, was appointed to the fire chief’s position. I’ve been a member of the executive staff for six years.”

Throughout his career, O’Hearn said it was a combination of helping those in need, the support of his colleagues and the satisfaction of a job well done that kept him dedicated to being a first responder.

“The job is very rewarding — to be able to help people in their toughest times,” O’Hearn said. “Caring for people in the ambulance or helping people during a fire response is why I came and why I enjoyed the job. The amazing people that I got to do that job with is what kept me here and kept me coming back. It’s a real mission-driven culture that I really enjoyed, and I enjoyed doing that with a lot of really amazing people.”

Reflecting on over 20 years of experiences with the Fire Department, O’Hearn said it is difficult to encapsulate all of the memorable moments from his career, but points to the bonds he formed with colleagues and the community as the most meaningful.

“It’s definitely been a huge part of my life,” O’Hearn said. “The relationships that I’ve built over the last 24 years with my co-workers and the members of the community have been what’s most impactful to me.”

In retirement, O’Hearn plans to focus more of his time on his role as an assistant professor at Idaho State University, where he teaches in the fire service administration program.

“I feel like I’m going to be able to contribute by preparing the current and future leaders of the fire service for leadership roles,” O’Hearn said.

Even as he steps away from the department, O’Hearn said he leaves with confidence in the foundation he helped build, optimism for what lies ahead and an appreciation for all the support his family has given him over the years.

“I really appreciate the opportunity to serve and all the support the community has shown me and our organization over the years — that’s what’s made it so rewarding,” O’Hearn said. “I’m really excited for the things we’re doing. The city of Pocatello and the Pocatello Fire Department definitely have a bright future and I’m excited for that.”