Brian Buchholz is a long-time Whistler firefighter and fire inspector, having served with the Whistler Fire & Rescue Service from 2004 to 2018, and been the Acting Captain since 2014. He founded the Whistler Firefighter Fellowship Program in 2003 and received the inaugural fellowship with the Metropolitan Fire & Emergency Services Board in Melbourne, Australia the following year. Buchholz has also initiated the WFRS "Firesmart" Municipal Asset inventory and mitigation program and received the Federal Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada for service within an emergency services-first responder provider profession.
Buchholz's other contributions to Whistler include working in Media and Public Relations for Whistler-Blackcomb, coaching rugby at Whistler High School, playing Santa Claus for the BC Professional Firefighter’s Association Burn Fund, and co-chairing the Whistler Remembrance Day Service with his wife, Louise, for over 20 years. His support of veterans was honoured when he was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Pacific and Yukon) in 2006.
In addition, Buchholz has written several articles for Pique Newsmagazine, primarily on the topics of firefighting and the military.