2026 Healthiest Fire Departments Announced
Winners and awards revealed after 8 months of prioritizing health and wellness.
[LIBERTY, NY] The winners of the 2026 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge were announced at the 97th Annual Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Parade on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Grahamsville, NY.
In first place with 277 points is Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department. Together the department consistently tracked water consumption, weight loss, and blood pressure, documenting positive changes for their members. They hiked, did yoga, took a polar plunge, and attended health classes through the Sullivan County Bureau of Fire. Members got creative in the kitchen, preparing meals of protein spaghetti, spinach orzo salad, healthy tacos, and teriyaki shrimp bowls loaded with veggies.
In second place with 187 points, Livingston Manor Fire Department put mental health at the forefront of their efforts. They debriefed after calls, having conversations, and challenging stigma in the fire service. As a department they walked, gardened, prepared healthy snacks, and hiked the Parksville O&W Rail Trail. They also filled their local food pantry almost 30 times with healthy meals and snacks throughout the Challenge. This second-place grant was made possible in part by Resorts World Catskills.
Through the Challenge’s tiered system, departments earn grant funding based on points accumulated through health and wellness activities. Eight departments reached a grant tier this year. Departments also had the opportunity to earn $500 Turtle Awards, generously sponsored by local businesses and organizations, recognizing achievements in specific areas of the Challenge.
Kauneonga Lake Fire Department placed 3rd with 175 points and received Turtle Awards for Increased Physical Activity, Mental Health, Camaraderie & Spirit, and Community Collaboration. Through a blind vote by Sullivan 180 and Sullivan County Bureau of Fire staff, Challenge Captain Katrina Blais received the Turtle Award for Challenge Captain of the Year.
Jeffersonville Fire Department placed 4th with 142 points, receiving Turtle Awards for Nutrition, Camaraderie & Spirit, and Community Collaboration.
Swan Lake Fire Department placed 5th with 86 points, earning Turtle Awards for Nutrition and Camaraderie & Spirit.
Narrowsburg/Lava Fire Department placed 6th with 53 points and received the Turtle Award for Nutrition.
White Lake Fire Department placed 7th with 48 points and received the Turtle Award for Increased Physical Activity.
Monticello Fire Department placed 8th with 36 points and received the Turtle Award for Increased Physical Activity.
“After 8 months of goal setting and physical, nutrition, and mental health activities, more than $36,000 in grant funding will be awarded to departments to continue supporting health and wellness in their firehouses,” said Nicole Blais, Outreach Coordinator for Sullivan 180.
The 2026 Turtle Award sponsors include Black Bear Fuel Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Delaware Valley Farm & Garden, Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, Jeff Bank, M&L Masonry, NYSEG, Prestige Towing & Recovery, R52 Home, Resorts World Catskills, Rotary Clubs of Liberty & Monticello, Rourke Law, Sullivan Fire Protection Corp., Thompson Sanitation, and the Zufall Family Foundation.