On Dec. 2, Columbia Fire Chief Lyle Berard was recognized by the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association as the Fire Chief of the Year, an honor he said he was humbled to receive.
“It means a lot,” Berard said. “I’m thankful and grateful to receive such a big award.”
While it meant a lot to him to be recognized by his peers throughout the state, Berard said the award is more indicative of his crew.
“It’s a reflection of how hard these guys work here and what they’ve been able to do for the department,” he said.
Berard had an inkling that he had been nominated for the award, but he was stunned when he was announced as the Fire Chief of the Year.
“It was definitely very humbling,” he said. "I was surprised, for sure.”
Berard said when he accepted the award, he started to reflect on all of the things the Columbia Fire Department has achieved over the past few years as well as the firefighters he’s had the opportunity to work alongside.
“So much work has gone into making this department what it is. Receiving this award means a lot, but I know that I've received it because of the things that this department's been able to do,” he explained. “There's a lot of people that go into that, and I definitely wouldn't have received it if it wasn't for the people that we have working here day in and day out. They're the ones that make this department what it is.”
The CFD recently lowered its class rating to a Class 4, which is the best it’s ever been. Berard said the department has thrived because it has been able to retain employees and it is always looking for ways to be involved in the community.
“On behalf of the City and my family, we thank you, Lyle,” Mayor Justin McKenzie said in a social media post. “Chief Berard’s sacrifice to our department, his dedication to our community and his firefighters doesn’t go unnoticed! Great job! Congratulations on a well-deserved award!”
