Swampscott Fire Chief Graham Archer said it was humbling to watch Captain Mark Ryan come to the fire station and put in the time and tremendous effort each shift even as his chosen profession contributed to his failing health. Ryan joined the Swampscott FD in 2002 and rose to the rank of captain before he was forced to retire two years ago because of what is considered "occupational cancer." Ryan died this week — leaving a giant void in the hearts of those within the department, as well as those who knew him and his family outside of it. He was 57 years old. "This one is hard," Chief Archer told Patch on Wednesday. "The firefighters are taking this one particularly tough. Mark was very well thought of, respected and liked." The Swampscott native was promoted to lieutenant in 2009 and then a captain in 2013.