LIBERTY — With the success of the 2023 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge, and based on participant feedback, the 2024 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge launched on January 1, 2024. This year, 20 of Sullivan County’s Volunteer Fire Departments have joined, and in just three short weeks, completed almost 200 healthy activities!

The challenge calls attention to the mental and physical health of our firefighters. From the moment the tones drop, a firefighter’s heart rate increases 47 beats per minute. Firefighting is physically and emotionally demanding. More than half of all firefighters have elevated blood pressure, are obese and pre-diabetic. 90% or more have poor diet or exercise habits, additionally, suffering from heart disease, PTSD and lead in suicide more than any other first responder. Firefighters are consistently managing the balance between family, work and serving their community. Absorbing the trauma of each call has impacts that are not always visible or obvious.

“This challenge began last year providing great opportunities for our firefighters to participate in some healthy fun, healthy creative meals and thinking outside the box challenges,” said Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild. “This is another opportunity to honor our brave firefighters of Sullivan County for their commitment and hard work they have completed during the challenge to remain healthy.”

2024 Participating Fire Departments: Bloomingburg, Grahamsville, Highland Lake, Hortonville, Hurleyville, Jeffersonville, Kauneonga Lake, Lake Huntington, Livingston Manor, Loch Sheldrake, Lumberland, Monticello, Narrowsburg, Rock Hill, Roscoe-Rockland, Smallwood-Mongaup Valley, White Lake, Woodridge, Wurtsboro, Youngsville. 

To make this challenge fun and competitive, Departments receive credit in the form of ‘turtle points’ for each health focused activity they complete. The department that earns the most turtles will be eligible for grant funding through Sullivan 180 and our partners. The grant level is based on the final points completed by September 1, 2024. The two departments that earn the most turtle points will be eligible for amounts of $15,000 and $10,000, respectively. Additional grants will be awarded based on a tiered point system. Winners will be announced at the Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Parade in Livingston Manor on September 7.

During last year’s challenge, departments chose better food options, increased physical activity and recognized the sense of comradery that returned to their houses and between departments. (With a little competition as well.) Grahamsville Fire was named the Healthiest Fire Department and awarded a well-deserved grant in the amount of $15,000. Jeffersonville Fire was awarded a $10,000 grant, coming in second. To follow the challenge and its participating departments, visit Sullivan180.org.