J. Ryan Mccandless

Officer J. Ryan McCandless ended his watch with the Rapid City Police Department on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 in Rapid City, South Dakota during a routine stop. He was born October 19, 1982 in Midland, MI to James W. and Katherine A. (Kaweck) McCandless.
Ryan was a 2001 graduate of H. H. Dow High School. He was a two year letter winner in football winning the Ironman Football Award three years in a row. He was an Eagle Scout, DARE program mentor and loved hunting, fishing and trapping. He won a scholarship from the Michigan Sheriff's Association to attend Ferris State University, graduating in May 2005 with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. In 2009 he completed a Master's Degree in Public Administration at University of South Dakota; and was currently a professor at National American University.
On August 1, 2005 he was hired by the Rapid City Police Department. He was selected Rookie of the Year by peers and Command Staff. He was awarded a letter of commendation May 20, 2009 for rendering first-aid. Ryan had served as a Field Training Officer, a member of the Special Response Team and Street Crimes Unit during summer of 2010. He was well known for his Public Safety Announcements ending with the catch phrase "Let's keep Rapid City Safe".
Posthumously, Ryan was awarded the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart Medal and Life Saving Medal for saving a baby's life.
He is survived by his parents Jim and Kathy, Midland, MI; sister Megan and her fiance' Tom DeGrandchamp, St. Charles, IL; grandfather John McCandless, Midland, MI; and fiancé Kristi Johnson, Piedmont,SD. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and many brothers and sisters in Blue.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Marlene McCandless and Norman and Virginia Kaweck.
Funeral services will be conducted at noon on Thursday, August 11, 2011 from Messiah Lutheran Church (1550 S. Poseyville Rd, Midland) with the Reverend Kurt Eichinger of Lord of the New Life Lutheran Church and the Reverend W. Roger Stauffer, Chaplain of the Midland County Sheriff's Office co-officiating. Interment will be in Midland City Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home (4210 N. Saginaw Rd., Midland) on Wednesday from 2-5 and 6-8 pm and at Messiah Lutheran church on Thursday from 11:00 am until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers a Memorial has been established to provide scholarships to High School Graduates who are pursuing a degree in Law Enforcement at Ryan's alma mater, Ferris State University and Western Dakota Technical Institute.
Family and friends may sign Officer Ryan McCandles' online guest book at www.wilson-miller.com