Holly Springs Battalion Chief Hunter Byars has been honored with the title of North Carolina Firefighter of the Year by the N.C. Veterans of Foreign Wars, as a recognition for his 16 years of service and leadership. Byars has been noted for his pivotal role during the recovery efforts of Hurricane Helene, where he volunteered to lead the first crew of the Holly Springs firefighters that were deployed in the Western Carolina area, according to a statement obtained by the Town of Holly Springs' official website.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Byars didn't just volunteer, but he also played a crucial hand in establishing a base camp and a logistics distribution point that was essential in delivering supplies to the residents affected by the storm. With him at the helm, his team helped restore critical communication infrastructures such as Internet, cellular, and radio communication across the region. Byars' ability to manage broad-scale operations with precision and foresight has been lauded by Holly Springs Fire Chief LeRoy Smith, as Byars told the Town of Holly Springs' official website.
Furthermore, beyond natural disasters, Byars contributes to advancing the department's capabilities in communication technologies through his management of the radio program, which supports seamless emergency operations. In his unrelenting drive for departmental excellence, Byars has also been instrumental in introducing mobile data terminals in emergency vehicles, which enhance the situational awareness and access to vital information for first responders.
It is not by chance that Byars' efforts, leading under pressure and inspiring confidence, has helped Holly Springs Fire Department secure its No. 1 ISO rating. This achievement places the department among the elite top 1% of fire departments nationwide, reflecting the town's preparedness for fire emergencies—which also impacts local homeowners' insurance rates—according to a statement from the Holly Springs' official website.
