Meet a firefighter: Ryan Simonis

Ryan Simonis began as a paid-on-call firefighter in September 2021 with the Bloomington Fire Department and was hired as a full time firefighter in April 2023.

Through the BFD, Simonis has earned nearly 20 certificates including ones in hazardous material operations, fire apparatus operator, trench rescue technician and ice water rescue. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in criminal justice. He’s completed all but the dissertation for a PhD in public policy and is currently working on a Paramedic Fire Science degree.

Prior to his service here, Simonis was a Marine for 24 years, a police officer and federal law enforcement officer.

“I love learning and being part of a team, and I enjoy the constant pace of training and operations,” Simonis said of his newest career.

When he is off duty, Simonis spends time with his “amazing” wife Nikki, pictured above,  their children, Addyson (17), Jameson (12), and Paisley (9), and two puppies, Lola and Babs. He also competes worldwide as a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.