Ryan Pleasants

Fire Engineer and Paramedic Ryan Pleasants of the Walla Walla, Washington Fire Department passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was found deceased in his bed at Fire Station 1 of an apparent heart attack after working a 48 hour shift. He was 41 years old and had served 20 years with the department.

While attending college, Pleasants volunteered as a mountain rescue/EMT for two years at Cowlitz-Skamania County – North Country District #7. In January of 2005, he began his career as a Firefighter and Paramedic for the Walla Walla Fire Department. He chose Walla Walla, not only for the variety and complexity of calls he experienced during medic school, but mainly for the family values of that specific department. He embraced the camaraderie, training, respect and professionalism there. He was proud to serve his community and made lifelong friends. During his 20-year career, Pleasants was involved in many programs, such as the Every 15 Minutes Program, the ”Chief for a Day” custom helmets, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Local 404 Christmas Delivery, and the IAFF FF Motorcycle group. He created shirt and hat designs for the fire family, and furthered his career and training any chance he got. In 2023, he was promoted to Engineer. He mentored many students and was respected by all.

Pleasants married his wife, Racquel, and they had two children together, Ella and Oliver. He found great joy in being a parent and was always present for his family. They enjoyed camping, lake life, exploring the countryside with friends and tending to their home in the country. He was an extraordinary family man and an exceptional father. 

Fire Engineer and Paramedic Ryan Pleasants is survived by his loving wife, Racquel, his children, Ella and Oliver, his parents, Mary and Gary Pleasants, his sister, Stacy, and many cherished family members and friends.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Pleasants family with a mortgage-free home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.