Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Ryan Fesler started his career in 2010 at the age of 29 when the economy was bad. At the time, Fesler was working a civil engineering job, but no homes where being built. He'd always wanted to join the military and it was the perfect opportunity.

“The job market was really slow,” Fesler said. “I was trying to get into law enforcement, but no one was hiring.” 

Fesler turned to the Navy as the stepping-stone to a brand new career.
 
After completing basic training in 2010 and graduating from Master-at-Arms “A” school, Fesler worked with both his unit at Jinhae Air Base, South Korea and his cross-assigned unit at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii in support of base security during his two weeks of annual training. Returning to Las Vegas, he soon found there was little change in the job market. However, Fesler's Navy Reserve experience had given him a new, valuable — and marketable — set of skills.

“The job market was still kind of bad, but now I had experience in law enforcement on the Navy side," said Fesler, "So I applied to the police department and everything worked out. “I’ve been working for Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as a patrol officer for almost four years now."

Fesler said his career choice allows him to transition easily from his civilian job to his military duties. 
 
"The police department is very military friendly and supports me 100 percent when I need to take time off to do military requirements," he said. "That’s one less stress I have to worry about.” 
 
Fesler is currently on active duty as the Funeral Honors Coordinator at Navy Reserve Center Las Vegas, where he has been performing funeral honors since first enlisting 12 years ago. Throughout his Navy career, Fesler has looked for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those he meets. His most meaningful military experience took place in South Korea, when his unit volunteered to build a playground at a local orphanage.

“It was a really cool experience, giving back to the children and seeing their eyes light up,” he said.

Fesler, originally a Barstow, Calif. native, moved to Las Vegas in 2005. He enjoys spending his time off with his family, and relishes dad duty.

“I have five girls," said Fesler. "I’m always spending time with them; with sports, dance and swimming lessons.” 
 
In addition to joining the Navy Reserve and being hired at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Fesler also reached an academic milestone. In 2015, he graduated from University of Las Vegas with a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity. He is currently setting his sights on future educational and professional goals. He would like to pursue a master’s degree in counterterrorism and pursue work as a either detective or a field-training officer where he can train new police officers. 

In the Navy, Fesler is working to advance to first class petty officer and then pass the Chief exam. Ultimately, he would like to explore the Limited Duty Officer program.

“Joining the Navy Reserve has been a great experience," Fesler said. "It’s the best decision I ever made. I wish I would have done it earlier.”