Fighting Fires and Forging Friendships
April 15, 2025 鈥 When duty calls, the Marist community answers. Both volunteer firefighters for the Rhinebeck Fire Department, Dr. Jamie Freiman, Professor of Accounting, and student Ryan Ferber '26 exemplify the spirit of service that defines the Marist community.
Commitment to Service and Connection with Community
Both drawn to service in their youth, Dr. Freiman previously served as a firefighter in New Jersey, while Ryan aspires to become a New York State Trooper. The two have been volunteering with the Rhinebeck Fire Department for over five years and express gratitude for the sense of connection and community their service provides.
鈥淪ervice was always something I did, but firefighting was way more fun than any of my other community service because I got to meet so many people and friends I wouldn鈥檛 have normally interacted with,鈥 said Dr. Freiman. 鈥淚n firefighting, you trust your peers with your life regularly, and I have never thought twice when it comes to trusting Ryan.鈥
鈥淥ver the past five years, I鈥檝e gained 75 brothers and sisters who have my back no matter what,鈥 said Ryan. 鈥淎mong them is Jamie, who has been alongside me for countless calls鈥攚hether it鈥檚 responding to back-to-back medical emergencies, taking delivery of a new ambulance, or even rescuing a cat from a tree (only once in five years!). We鈥檝e seen both the best and worst together, and that bond is truly unbreakable.鈥
Ryan Ferber '26 (front) and Dr. Jamie Freiman (back) fighting a car fire together. No major injuries occurred in the fire. Photo courtesy of Rhinebeck Fire Department.
In one of their most recent acts of service together, the pair responded to a local accident involving a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. After receiving a page about the accident, Dr. Freiman and Ryan rushed to the station, suited up, and headed to the scene with their fellow firefighters.
鈥淭he ride to the scene is always a weird mix of anticipation, a little bit of excitement, and running through a mental checklist of what to do as you listen for updates over the radio,鈥 said Dr. Freiman.
鈥淚 picked up my pace when I heard about the vehicle fire because while dumpster and other isolated fires are usually straightforward, vehicles and structure fires are more difficult since everything inside acts as fuel,鈥 said Ryan. 鈥淲hen we got to the scene, we stretched the hose line, and after a tough battle, extinguished the fire.鈥
With Ryan on the hose and Dr. Freiman as his backup, the pair stopped the fire from spreading beyond the car. Fortunately, the driver survived.
Dr. Freiman and Ryan Ferber successfully extinguished the car fire. Photo courtesy of Rhinebeck Fire Department.
An 鈥楢nd Not Or鈥 Service Mindset
While Dr. Freiman balances being a busy professor and a volunteer firefighter, Ryan has juggled schoolwork and multiple service trainings.
鈥淧eople are usually shocked when they find out I鈥檓 a professor when I鈥檓 on the scene of a fire, but Marist鈥檚 integration with the local community and its support for public service is one of the reasons that drew me to work here,鈥 said Dr. Freiman. 鈥淗aving someone like Ryan, who sees both my Marist and fire department life, is really cool.鈥
Dr. Freiman (far left) and Ryan (far right) with other firefighters sitting on the Rhinebeck Firetruck. Photo courtesy of Rhinebeck Fire Department.
Since joining the fire department, Ryan earned every primary certification available, including Firefighter, EMT, Fire Police Officer, and Driver, and has served as a Rescue Lieutenant since 2022.
鈥淛oining the fire department was one of the best decisions of my life,鈥 said Ryan. 鈥淚t has introduced me to incredible people, forged lifelong connections, and given me a firsthand look at what it means to serve.鈥
Ryan鈥檚 Marist Momentum
Ryan鈥檚 Marist journey began in the summer of 2019 when he attended the Pre-College Criminal Justice program鈥攁n experience he still considers one of the most formative of his life. Visiting agencies like the FBI, State Police, and Secret Service at just 16 gave him an early glimpse into the profession and solidified his passion. In addition to numerous service certifications, Ryan also holds a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
鈥淲hile I鈥檓 a business administration major with a marketing concentration, my pre-college course and my connection to the Marist community have really fueled my commitment to law enforcement and service,鈥 he said.
