Scott Ryckman

Background

About Scott Ryckman

I know that there are bad forces, forces that bring suffering to others and misery to the world. I want to be the opposite force. I want to be the force which is truly for good.” ColtraneUnlikely Division Chief of EMS at the Bellingham Fire Department in Washington State. My B.A. and M.A. are in music, specifically Jazz Studies. My great grandfather was a Fire Chief in Centralia, WA, and I got drawn into Fire/EMS in my mid 20s and fell in love with the profession.As a leader, my core values are authenticity, curiosity, and empathy. At my core I strive to be the best Coach and Educator possible, and help my teammates perform and grow throughout their careers. By empowering my team to reach their own potential the organization and our community will receive the best possible care and service that every citizen deserves on their worst day. I’m deeply committed to the mental health and well being of our responders. By removing barriers to access for mental health resources-and encouraging honest, vulnerable conversations about the psychological impact of first response-we can help our people enjoy long, fulfilling careers, and let them leave without carrying the lifelong burden of the things we experience as emergency responders.So far, in this amazing career, I have had the privilege to serve as a Division Chief, Firefighter/Paramedic, Suppression Captain, Tactical Paramedic, Paramedic Program Director, and Peer Support Team Lead. I love teaching EMS as part of our local training programs and taking part in outreach at local schools and events. I am honored to serve on the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee and Whatcom County Racial Equity Commission, as well as being part of Be the One, a local mentorship program for high school students.I’m always looking for ways to connect and learn, and am excited to find ways to expand my network of amazing people to solve problems, innovate, and share ideas.