Getting Healthy Together
Healthiest Fire Department Challenge
The Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge focuses on the health and well-being of our county’s firefighters.
Firefighting is both a physically and emotionally demanding job. Firefighters put themselves at risk each time they respond to a call.
According to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, from the moment the tones drop, a firefighter’s heart rate increases by 47 beats per minute.
The dangerous work, heavy uniforms, and high-risk environment, accompanied by concerns of high blood pressure, heart health, and disturbed sleep patterns, are significant health stressors.
The Healthiest Fire Department Challenge launched on January 1 and ends on September 1, 2024.
Participating fire departments will engage in activities to enhance their physical and mental health, such as walking a local trail, holding a “drink water” campaign, hosting a Mental Health First Aid training, or incorporating healthy meals at drill nights.
A “Turtle Point” is a credit earned upon completing and submitting an eligible health-focused activity with a minimum of 5 active members participating.
Completing activities and accruing points makes you eligible for grants. 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 a grant in the amount 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, 2024.
Interested in joining your local fire department? Email JoinSullivanFire@gmail.com to get started!
2024 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge Captains
Each participating fire department chooses a Challenge Captain. Challenge Captains serve as the liaison between Sullivan 180 and the department. Responsibilities include keeping the department members updated with challenge information, opportunities, and progress; working with fire department members to plan and implement physical and mental health activities; logging and submitting documentation for Turtle Points; and more.
Bloomingburg Fire Department #62: Andrew Mendlicott & Victoria Arnold
Grahamsville Fire Department #67: Mike Kelly & Bryce Rogerson
Highland Lake Fire Department #69: Grace Wilson & Rachel Innella
Hortonville Fire Department #10: Susan Norton
Hurleyville Fire Department #11: Braiden DeGraw, Fred Froehlich & Charlie Payne
Jeffersonville Fire Department #12: Ross Joyce-Turner
Kauneonga Lake Fire Department #13: Jill Holland
Lake Huntington Fire Department #15: Jenna Sayers
Livingston Manor Fire Department #18: George Dolce
Lumberland Fire Department #21: Ulana Kekish
Monticello Fire Department #22: Alex Bisland & Jose Mora
Narrowsburg/Lava Fire Department #24: Brenton Smith
Rock Hill Fire Department #27: Christopher Filosa
Roscoe-Rockland Fire Department #29: Anthony Morgano
Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department #30: Rebecca Wood
White Lake Fire Department #35: Brendon Cunningham
Woodridge Fire Department #38: Mike Caro & Nolan Akerley
Wurtsboro Fire Department #39: Sara Frost
Youngsville Fire Department #40: Luke Ellison & James DeAveiro
“This challenge is a vehicle for so many things. First and foremost, to incorporate resources into the departments, to build the relationship within the department family, to bring much-deserved attention and recognition to volunteerism for recruitment and retention, and to include their loved ones as so much time is spent selflessly away from home. Volunteers dedicate their lives to serving others, it is time we help them serve themselves.”
For more information, connect with Lindsay Wheat, Sullivan 180 Outreach Program Manager, 3rd generation member and Vice President of the Monticello Fire Department, Commissioner of the Monticello Joint Fire District.
Email | 845-295-2683
What Sullivan County Firefighters Are Saying
“When the fire alarm sounds, your body goes from 0 to 100 in seconds. The fire departments involved in the Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge are going from 0 to 100 with creative, healthy activities with positive results.”
— John Hauschild, Sullivan County Fire Coordinator
“Sullivan 180’s Healthiest Fire Department Challenge is bringing us closer as a department one activity at a time.”
— Jenna Sayers, Lake Huntington Challenge Captain
“It was more than just the money, morale is at an all time high, workouts as well, and weight loss is down! Sullivan 180 has been one of the greatest things to happen to Grahamsville Fire Department!”
– Michael Kelly, Grahamsville Fire Department