BFRFD announces passing of longest-serving volunteer firefighter
BOLIVAR, Tenn. — The Bolivar Fire Rescue Fire Department announced the passing of its longest-serving volunteer firefighter in a social media post made Tuesday.
Emmett Bolyard joined the Bolivar Fire Department on January 1, 1964. He went on to serve as a career firefighter, captain and assistant chief.
He is also a two-time recipient of the Firefighter of the Year Award, once in 1982 and again in 2002.
Bolyard retired at his mandatory retirement age of 62 in February 2001, but never truly pulled him away from the fire service. He remained an active volunteer firefighter for years after, running his final call on June 6, 2025.
His legacy lives on through his family: he is the proud father of Lieutenant William (BJ) Bolyard, grandfather of Engineer Tanner Parker, and grandfather of Volunteer Firefighter Abigail Parker.
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