2025 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge Winners Announced and Awards Presented at the Annual Fireman’s Parade

[LIBERTY, NY] Winners of the 2025 Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge were announced at the 96th Annual Sullivan County Volunteer Fireman’s Parade on Saturday in Monticello.

Securing first place with a total of 953 points, Grahamsville Fire Department will receive a grant in the amount of $15,000. Grahamsville completed 160 healthy meal replacements, 305 physical activities, weight loss check ins, weekly health & wellness podcasts and an eight-month long water intake challenge. This 1st place grant was made possible in part by Resorts World Catskills.

In second place with a total of 673 points, Kauneonga Lake Fire Department will receive a grant in the amount of $10,000.  Kauneonga Lake participated in a nutrition course with Ellenville Regional Hospital, organized weekly litter plucks as well as an 8-month sleep study and department discussions on mental health.  The department shared 33 healthy meals and 52 physical activities and participated in several community events.

 “Turtle Awards” in the amount of $500 were given to departments in recognition of their efforts in specific areas related to building a culture of health among their members. These categories include mental health awareness, improved nutrition, increased physical activity, camaraderie and spirit, and community collaboration. The awards, sponsored by various businesses and organizations, were announced at the parade and will be delivered to individual departments over the coming months.

Also celebrated was the 8-tiered point system which provided the opportunity for all participating departments to qualify for grants up to $2,000.

Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department received five Turtle Awards with overall points of 420; and in recognition of their work to increase physical activity, improve mental health, nutrition, camaraderie and spirit, and community collaboration. In addition, Rebecca Wood received Challenge Captain of the Year, earning the department an additional award. Jeffersonville Fire Department placed 4th in the challenge with overall points of 201; and received two Turtle Awards for Nutrition and a focus on Mental Health.

Hortonville Fire Department received two Turtle Awards with overall points of 109; and in recognition of their efforts to increase physical activity and nutrition. Livingston Manor Fire Department received one Turtle Award with overall points of 83; and in recognition of their display of community collaboration. White Lake Fire Department received one Turtle Award with overall points of 64; and in recognition of camaraderie and spirit. Finally, Bloomingburg Fire Department, with points totaling 56, received a Turtle Award for camaraderie & spirit.

Since January when the challenge kicked off, 17 departments have engaged in activities (challenges) to enhance the physical and mental health of their members. Departments received credit in the form of “turtle points” for each health focused activity they completed. Activities ranged from serving healthier meals during drill and meeting nights; joining as a department family and hiking or walking local trails; attending health related seminars and becoming trained in suicide prevention.  There were also water consumption and weight loss challenges.

The 2025 Turtle Award sponsors include: 98.3 WSUL Heart-A-Thon; Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning; Garnet Health Medical Center Catskills; Jeff Bank; Prestige Towing & Recovery; Resorts World Catskills; Rotary Clubs of Liberty & Monticello; Schmidt’s Wholesale, Inc.; Sullivan Fire Protection Corp.; Thompson Sanitation.