Ryan Damitio has known for several years that he wants to be part of the change he hopes to see in the country. Originally from Timberline, Washington, Damitio is pursuing a degree in law enforcement and was recently sworn in as a volunteer reserve officer for the Bemidji Police Department.
“Being sworn into the department was a huge step for my future career,” Damitio said.
When deciding to volunteer, his future was not his only concern — he also wanted to protect his community.
“I want to serve the community that I live in. This is our community, and it’s our job to help keep it safe. We all have our own ways of getting out in the community and helping where we can, and I chose to be a reserve officer,” he said.
Damitio credited his father, sister, and Brent Bolte, head coach of the Bemidji State football team, for being his support system both as a student-athlete and in his career choice. However, he said his desire to serve and protect comes from his big heart.
“Knowing that I helped somebody makes me happy. I am willing to put myself in scenarios to protect somebody at all costs necessary, just because I want them to be able to go home safely to their family,” he said.
Damitio began his academic career at Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. However, when the school announced it was closing in late 2023, he found a new opportunity.
“Twenty minutes after I got the news about the school closing, the special teams coordinator at BSU called me and asked if I wanted to come play football for Coach Bolte. I came on a campus tour, and the rest is history,” he said.
As a long snapper for the Beavers, Damitio said being part of the team has given him a broader perspective on life.
“Playing ball with guys from all over the country and learning how others grew up has been eye-opening,” he said. “What I enjoy most about being on the team is just having fun with the guys every day; that’s all it is for us. We all are just having fun, and I think that’s what makes us so good as a whole.”
Damitio and the Beavers made history in 2024 by reaching the NCAA Division II quarterfinals for the first time in the program’s 98-year history. Damitio and the Beavers rallied for a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Western Colorado in the tournament’s second round, carving into a 19-7 deficit with an 80-yard touchdown drive late in the third quarter and taking the lead for good on a 79-yard fumble-return touchdown with less than four minutes to play. BSU dropped its quarterfinal matchup against NSIC rival Minnesota State Mankato, finishing with a 10-4 record.
With the end of another successful football season, Damitio says he is looking forward to life after college. Set to graduate in 2026, he is eager to complete his degree and begin his career as a police officer.
By Emily Dukek-Haasken