Jake Ryks is a firefighter/EMT/hazmat specialist with the Saint Paul, MN, Fire Department (SPFD), appointed to Rescue Squad 1 - HazMat 1. His involvement in department training includes engine, truck and squad company functions, advanced automotive extrication, and RIT. Ryks serves as an assistant hazmat coordinator for the SPFD, coordinating all HazMat training for the city, and is a trustee for IAFF Local 21. He was awarded the MN100 Firefighter of the Year and the Firehouse Magazine Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor in 2024 for his efforts in rescuing three children from a house fire. Ryks has been involved with paid-on-call, part-time and career departments. He has taught hazmat training for fire departments locally, regionally and on a national level. In May 2024, Ryks began working for The HazMat Guys, where he co-hosts The HazMat Guys Podcast and he manages their online learning platform and social media accounts. He has since launched his own podcasts, HAZARD CLASS, where he talks with experts in and around the world of emergency services and OUT OF SERVICE, a comedy podcast focused on having the real conversations that happen during downtime at the firehouse.

As always, thank you to our sponsors:

Elkhart Brass

Key Hose

Vanguard Safety Wear