ROOKIES OF THE YEAR

The ‘LION^® – PJ Bean Rookie of the Year’ Award is named after PJ Bean, 29, who was a beloved Challenge competitor and firefighter/paramedic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. PJ tragically drowned in Madison, South Dakota in May of 2012 but his contagious spirit remains in our hearts.

This award is based on a combination of factors ranging from the fastest time, numbers of runs, percent of improvement, sportsmanship, and overall dedication to the sport and fire service. In other words, a person who exemplifies the spirit of the Challenge!

2024 Winners

Bryce Cartee
Rapid City (SD) Fire Department

Stephanie Degner
Parris Island (SC) Fire Department

2023 Winners

Justin Wolff
Irving (TX) Fire Department

Taylor Ward
Murray City (UT) Fire Department

2022 Winners

Michael Coleman / Bluff City Combat Team
Memphis (TN) Fire Department

Sarah McGill
Lexington (KY) Fire Department