Early Life and Education
Born in Blue Grass, Iowa, on April 6, 1979, Bryan Christopher Spies grew up in a close-knit Midwestern neighbourhood. Tommy and Denise Spies taught him resilience, kindness, and civic duty early on. These values guided his academic and extracurricular interests throughout his adolescence.
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Birthdate: April 6, 1979
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Hometown: Blue Grass, Iowa
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Graduated from Davenport West High School in 1997.
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Cypress College, California (1998–2000)
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Certifications:
- The 2005 NREMT Paramedic Registry
- FDNY Firefighter Academy Graduate, 2006
| Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| High School Graduation | May 1997 | West High School, Davenport, IA |
| Paramedic Certification | June 2005 | NREMT Paramedic Licensure |
| FDNY Firefighter Academy | August 2006 | Completed rigorous fire training program |
| Promotion to Lieutenant | February 2023 | Recognized for leadership and performance |
His academic career focused on emergency medicine and public safety. Paramedic training led to NREMT certification in June 2005 after graduating high school in May 1997. The next year, he was accepted into the 12-week FDNY Firefighter Academy, where he studied fire control, hazardous materials, and rescue.
Career at FDNY
FDNY rookie firefighter-paramedic Bryan Spies joined Engine Company 279 in September 2006. He rose through the ranks for 17 years, garnering praise for his daring and skill in high-stress situations.
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Start Date: September 11, 2006
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Lieutenant (promoted February 2023)
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Total Service: 17+ years
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Average annual call volume: 1,200 emergency responses
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Special Assignments:
- USAR Team Member, 2012–2017
- FDNY Public Affairs Liaison, 2018–2020
| Position | Years | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Firefighter-Paramedic | 2006–2015 | Emergency medical care, fire suppression, rescue operations |
| Acting Captain (Interim) | 2016–2022 | Station management, training oversight, shift coordination |
| Lieutenant | 2023–Present | Strategic incident command, advanced medical intervention leadership |
Spies has nearly 12,000 frontline emergency medical hours by 2015. Between 2012 and 2017, he led technical rescue missions in building collapses and high-angle situations for the Urban Search and Rescue Team. He briefly worked at FDNY Public Affairs in 2018 to oversee community outreach and school safety exercises throughout all five boroughs.
His promotion to Lieutenant in February 2023 was a career highlight. He manages new hire training, coaches rookie firefighters, and commands large-scale incidents. His company ranks high in the department with an average response time of 4 minutes, 12 seconds.
Family and Personal Life
Bryan is married to actress Abigail Diane Gustafson (Abigail Hawk) and has two sons. Beginning with an April 25, 2009 New York City wedding, their partnership balances public jobs and private family moments.
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Marriage Date: April 25, 2009
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Spouse: Abigail Hawk (b. May 4, 1985)
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Children:
- 13-year-old Harlan Shepherd Spies
- Younger Son (Born July 2017; Age 7)
| Family Member | Relation | Birth Date | Age (as of June 2025) | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abigail Hawk | Wife | May 4, 1985 | 40 | Actress in Blue Bloods (2010–2024) |
| Harlan Shepherd | Son | May 2012 | 13 | Name publicly disclosed |
| Younger Son | Son | July 2017 | 7 | Name withheld for privacy |
| Tommy Spies | Father | — | — | Private life in Blue Grass, IA |
| Denise Spies | Mother | — | — | Private life in Blue Grass, IA |
The couple keeps their children’s upbringing private despite Abigail Hawk’s fame. Service and civic engagement are evident in their weekend family travels to Brooklyn and Queens cultural events and charity runs.
Financial Overview
Bryan Spies’ consistent public-service income, comprehensive benefits, and FDNY long-term pensions support him financially. His actress wife Abigail Hawk boosts household income.
- Bryan’s Estimated Wealth: $300,000.
- Abigail’s estimated net worth: $800,000–$850,000.
- Total household income: $175,000–$210,000
| Income Source | Annual Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FDNY Paramedic/Firefighter | $45,454–$61,464 | Base salary with overtime and hazard pay |
| FDNY Lieutenant | $75,000–$95,000 | Increased pay scale after promotion |
| Acting (Abigail Hawk) | $80,000–$120,000 | Television and film roles, guest appearances |
| Benefits Package | — | Pension, 401(k), 403(b), health insurance |
Bryan makes $45,454 to $61,464 a year, excluding overtime, as a paramedic and firefighter. After his promotion, his lieutenant salary rose to $75,000–$95,000. He has a strong pension plan that vests after 20 years, dual retirement accounts, and complete family health coverage.
The family’s finances are supported by Abigail Hawk’s 200+ Blue Bloods episodes, guest roles, and independent films. Her estimated net worth includes residuals from long-running series plus public speaking and sponsorships.
Public Appearances and Recognition
While personally low-key, Bryan Spies and his family have attended high-profile events that highlight his fire service ethics and Abigail’s entertainment business connections. Their public engagements are planned to support charities and culture.
- April 25, 2024: Saw The Great Gatsby on Broadway.
- October 15, 2024: Guest of honour at FDNY Headquarters Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service.
- Join the 2025 ADAPT Leadership Awards at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on March 3.
- Participated in five-borough FDNY School Safety Drill Week on June 12, 2025.
| Date | Event | Role/Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| April 25, 2024 | The Great Gatsby Broadway Opening | Attendee with spouse |
| October 15, 2024 | FDNY Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service | Guest of Honor |
| March 3, 2025 | ADAPT Leadership Awards | Presenter and award nominee |
| June 12, 2025 | FDNY School Safety Drill Week | Demonstrator and community liaison |
Public communication, including June 2025 school safety drills, reached over 3,500 kids and faculty. The Fallen Firefighter Memorial honoured him in October 2024, with over 500 department and family members in attendance.
FAQ
Where does Bryan Spies stand in the FDNY?
Bryan Spies became Lieutenant in February 2023.
When did Bryan Spies join the FDNY?
He became a firefighter-paramedic on September 11, 2006, after graduating from the FDNY Academy.
How many kids does Bryan Spies have?
Bryan Spies and Abigail Hawk have two sons: Harlan Shepherd (born May 2012) and a younger boy (born July 2017).
Bryan Spies estimated net worth?
Due to his FDNY salary and benefits, his estimated net worth is $300,000.
Which charities or community events does he support?
FDNY school safety drills and charity runs have engaged over 3,500 students, most recently in June 2025.
Has Bryan Spies received any service awards?
He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2023 after receiving many bravery and service awards.
Where was Bryan Spies paramedic-trained?
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certified him as a paramedic in June 2005.
