Fired Up for Health!
The 2026 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge Begins
[LIBERTY, NY] The Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge kicked off its 4th year on January 1 with 11 departments geared up to participate! In the first three full weeks of the challenge, departments have completed almost 100 points, focusing on nutrition, physical and mental health. Working out, taking walks, stretching, setting health goals, and enjoying healthy meals together are just a few highlights from the first few weeks of the challenge.
The Healthiest Fire Department Challenge is a health and wellness competition for Sullivan County fire departments that encourages physical, nutritional, and mental health activities. Departments earn “turtle points” for completing health-focused events, workouts, and trainings, with at least five members participating. At the end of the challenge, these turtle points make the departments eligible for grant funding and awards, promoting healthier lifestyles while supporting the firefighting community.
Year 4 marks a renewed focus on encouraging consistency; establishing healthy habits that can be sustained over time. A new “point stacking” model makes it possible to earn points consistently; helping departments build healthy habits and routines over the full challenge through September.
“The point stacking model was designed to meet firefighters where they are,” said Sullivan 180 Outreach Coordinator Nicole Blais. “Even on the busiest days, small actions still count, and those small actions add up to lasting change.”
“This challenge provided great opportunities for our firefighters to participate in some healthy fun, healthy, creative meals, and thinking outside the box challenges. This is another opportunity to honor our brave Sullivan County firefighters and show the communities we serve the commitment and hard work their firefighters have completed during the challenge to remain healthy,” said John Hauschild, Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety and Sullivan County Fire Coordinator, Sullivan County Bureau of Fire, Division of Public Safety.
Departments continue to build momentum and are gearing up for two upcoming events: The Sue Bunce Memorial Sullivan Freeze for the Cure Polar Plunge on Saturday, January 31st and the 6th Annual SNO&W Snowshoe Walk & Hike on Sunday, February 1st along the historic O&W Rail Trail in Mamakating. These events are open to the public. Join the fun and cheer on your local fire department or follow along on Sullivan 180 social media for Healthiest Fire Department Challenge updates.
It is not too late to join the 2026 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge! Reach out to Nicole Blais at Nicole@Sullivan180.org to sign up or learn more.