Bolivar Fire Rescue Department honors 2025 award recipients

The Bolivar Fire Rescue Department proudly recognized two of its outstanding members during its annual Christmas dinner, naming the recipients of its highest service honors for 2025.

Lieutenant William “BJ” Bolyard was selected as the 2025 Emergency Medical Responder of the Year in recognition of his service and leadership in emergency medical response. This moment marks the first time in the department’s history that the Emergency Medical Responder of the Year award has been presented.

Bolyard joined the department in February 2001 as a volunteer firefighter and was hired as a career firefighter in June 2021. He was among the first career firefighters to obtain his Emergency Medical Responder certification in May 2024 and currently serves as the department’s training officer, where he plays a critical role in preparing firefighters and responders for the challenges of emergency service. His dedication to education, patient care, and mentorship continues to have a lasting impact on the department. During the presentation, it was noted that Lieutenant Bolyard, had responded to a combined total of 499 on-duty and off-duty calls, with 274 of those calls made while off-duty.

Engineer Tyler Rice was named the 2025 Firefighter of the Year, an honor that reflects his exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public safety. Rice’s selection for the award marks the first time in the department’s history that a firefighter has received the coveted award for two consecutive years.

Rice joined the Bolivar Fire Rescue Department in March 2023 as a volunteer firefighter and was hired as a career firefighter in September of the same year. He completed his commission certification in August 2025 and also serves the department as an Emergency Medical Responder, further strengthening the department’s emergency response capabilities. His commitment to training, versatility, and service exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding firefighter. During the presentation, it was noted that Engineer Rice responded to a combined total of 363 on-duty and off-duty calls, with 211 of those calls made while off-duty. Rice responded to the highest number of structure fire incidents, with a total of 18 structure fire responses.

The annual Christmas dinner serves as an opportunity for the department to reflect on the past year, celebrate accomplishments, and formally recognize individuals who exemplify the mission and values of Bolivar Fire Rescue. During the event, members were acknowledged for their dedication and service in the following categories:

• Training Attendance: Lieutenant B.J. Bolyard, Engineer Tyler Rice, Engineer Tanner Parker, and Engineer Weston Wilhite
• Top Three Off-Duty Responses: Lieutenant B.J. Bolyard, Engineer Tyler Rice, and Engineer Weston Wilhite
• Top Five Total Responses: Lieutenant B.J. Bolyard, Engineer Tyler Rice, Engineer Matthew Graber, Engineer Matthew Marek, and Engineer Russ Kelly
• Top Three Off-Duty Emergency Medical Responses: Lieutenant B.J. Bolyard, Engineer Tyler Rice, and Engineer Matthew Graber
• Volunteer Firefighters – Top Three Responses: Charles Thompson, Mauriceo Beauregard, and Jonathan Swarey

“Lieutenant Bolyard and Engineer Rice embody the heart and spirit of Bolivar Fire Rescue. Lieutenant Bolyard’s unwavering dedication to emergency medical response and his leadership as our training officer have helped shape a stronger, more prepared department, and ensure a higher level of care for our community.

Tyler Rice’s passion for service, relentless work ethic, and readiness to answer the call—day or night—reflect the true calling of a firefighter. Their selection for these awards speaks not only to their individual achievements, but to the lives they touch and the trust they build every day,” said Chief Price. “While B.J. and Tyler are being honored for their individual achievements, the work we do is a team effort—every day, every shift. It is the unwavering commitment of each firefighter that makes our community safer, stronger, and better through their dedication and service.”

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