Ryan Volz began his fire service journey in the fall of 1992 with the Marlette Fire Department, located in Michigan’s Thumb region. Over the next five years, he served as a dedicated firefighter, laying the groundwork for a distinguished career.
In 1997, Volz relocated to Fenton, where he joined the Fenton Township Fire Department as a paid on-call firefighter. His leadership qualities quickly became evident, earning him a series of promotions: Station #2 Sergeant on December 13, 1998;
Station #2 Lieutenant on December 12, 1999; Station #1 Captain on January 3, 2001; and Station #1 Battalion Chief on February 18, 2002. On December 12, 2011, he was officially sworn in as Fire Chief of Fenton Township.
Chief Volz brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. His certifications include Haz-Mat Specialist (80-hour), Confined Space and High Angle Rescue, Arson Investigation, Scene Reconstruction, Ice and Open Water Rescue, and Officer I, II, and III. He also holds specialized training through Michigan State University as an Emergency Response Coordinator, Evacuation Coordinator, and in Machine Rescue. His excellence has been recognized with the President’s Award from both the Genesee County Association of Fire Chiefs and the Michigan Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators.
With 33 years in the fire service—28 of those in Fenton Township—Chief Volz remains as passionate and committed as the day he started. “My goal is to serve until my body can no longer do the job,” he says. “None of what I do can be done without the support of my family, our fire department and township staff, our elected officials, and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
His career stands as a testament to dedication, service, and faith—an inspiration to those who serve and protect their communities every day.
1. What was your first job?
My first job was working for my father’s construction company in Marlette, Michigan. I started in 1980 and continued until 1989, when I earned my own State of Michigan Builder’s License. In 1995, I officially launched my own construction business.
2. What are you most passionate about?
Fighting structure fires. That passion comes from personal experience—on June 25, 1986, our family lost our home when a garden tractor exploded in the garage. I was 16. We lost everything. That experience changed me. It drove me to where I am today, and it’s why I take great pride in protecting people’s homes. I understand what that kind of loss feels like, and I try to be a source of support as they begin to rebuild.
3. What song might you sing at Karaoke Night?
This is a fun one. We actually have our own professional karaoke setup, and during summer parties, our friends and neighbors come over to sing. You’ll usually find me doing songs by Johnny Cash or Chris Stapleton—two of my favorites.
4. Who is your hero?
I have two. First, my mother, Lisa Volz. She raised seven of us while running her own beauty salon, managing sporting events, and keeping our household together with grace and sanity. I admire her strength and selflessness.
Second, my wife, Dawn. In 2014, she battled ovarian cancer—and today, she’s 11 years cancer-free. Her positivity, strength, and faith throughout that journey were nothing short of inspiring. She’s truly my everyday hero. We’ll celebrate 20 years of marriage this October.
Public safety is a demanding field, and it often means time away from your own family to serve others. Learning to balance that is crucial.
5. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Serving as President of the Michigan Chapter of the IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) from 2024 to 2025 has been an incredible honor. Representing and supporting investigators across the state meant a great deal to me. Prior to that, I served three years as a Director, and spent one year each as Second and First Vice President.
6. What’s your secret talent?
Cooking and BBQ. I’ve loved it since I was a kid, watching my mom whip up meals from what seemed like nothing in the fridge. It’s not always gourmet, but no one leaves hungry. My favorites? Crockpot lasagna and venison-stuffed meatloaf. On the smoker, I love making ribs and chicken wings. Cooking is how I unwind—and feed the people I care about.
7. What’s one thing you wish you had more time to do?
Simply put—have more time. Time is a resource you can’t buy, sell, or reproduce. I just hope I’ve used mine wisely. Public safety is a demanding field, and it often means time away from your own family to serve others. Learning to balance that is crucial.
