LAUDERHILL, Florida -- At 6-foot-2, Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Ryan was a “gentle giant” who loved his job, his family and colleagues said Sunday.
Nearly 200 police officers, firefighters, paramedics, family and friends honored Ryan at his funeral at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.
The soft-spoken Ryan died on Dec. 31, nearly two weeks after he collapsed at the Broward Main Jail in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The 58-year-old had gone into cardiac arrest, the sheriff’s office said at the time, and remained in the hospital but never recovered.
“Everything seemed to be changing for the better,” his brother Patrick Ryan said Sunday. “And then regrettably a sudden change and Michael was gone.”
Ryan was born in Fort Lauderdale and was the youngest of five sons. He joined the Sheriff’s Office nearly 14 years ago and most recently worked in the Department of Detention.
“He was the co-worker that you wanted to work with,” Major Josefa Benjamin, a supervisor in the department, told the crowd. “He was a friend to many and a good man in the eyes of all.”
Broward Sheriff Scott Israel said it was apparent Ryan was devoted to the department and he “brought integrity and courage to the profession.”
“His commitment to this agency was unparalleled,” Israel said.
Colleagues and friends spoke about Ryan on the auditorium’s stage, which was decorated with elaborate flower bouquets and several pictures of Ryan and his wife Lori.
His casket took center stage, surrounded by deputies wearing white uniforms.
Law enforcement and fire rescue officers from throughout South Florida filled the seats, including some from Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar and Davie.
After the service, Ryan’s casket emerged from the building to the sound of bagpipes and snare drums.
Outside, a rifle team fired three blanks into the air and helicopters from the Sheriff’s Office flew overhead. Then, police dispatch called out for Ryan’s badge number over an intercom one last time.
Ryan is survived by his wife Lori; step-sons Dustin, Dalton, and Dillon Edens; his four brothers, their spouses and five nieces and nephews.
[email protected], 561-243-6531, Twitter: @aric_chokey
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