Winners Announced and Awards Presented at the Annual Fireman’s Parade

[LIBERTY, NY] Winners of The Sullivan 180 Healthiest Fire Department Challenge were announced at the 95th Annual Sullivan County Volunteer Fireman’s Parade on Saturday in Livingston Manor.

Securing first place with a total of 867 points, Monticello Fire Department will receive a grant in the amount of $15,000. Monticello completed 95 healthy meal replacements, 341 physical activities, weight loss check ins, weekly yoga and an eight-month long water intake challenge.  

In second place with a total of 664 points, Roscoe-Rockland Fire Department will receive a grant in the amount of $10,000.  Roscoe-Rockland participated in a Garnet Health nutrition course, organized weekly litter plucks as well as frequent health podcasts and department discussions on mental health.  They shared 100 healthy meals and 152 physical activities and held a basketball competition with Roscoe School District.  This 2nd place grant was made possible with support from the 2024 98.3 WSUL Heart-a-thon.

 “Turtle Awards” in the amount of $500 were awarded 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, improved nutrition, increased physical activity, camaraderie and spirit, and community Collaboration. The awards were sponsored by various businesses and organizations. They were announced at the parade and will be delivered to individual departments over the coming months.

New this year, an 8-tiered point system provided the opportunity for all participating departments to qualify for grants ranging from $250 to $2,000.

Grahamsville Fire Department received two Turtle Awards with overall points of 489; and in recognition of their work to increase physical activity and improve mental health. Kauneonga Lake Fire Department placed 4th in the challenge with overall points of 405; and also received five Turtle Awards in recognition of their efforts to increase physical activity, improve mental health, improve nutrition; as well as their camaraderie and spirit and community collaboration.

Smallwood-Mongaup Valley Fire Department received four Turtle Awards with overall points of 227; and in recognition of their efforts to increase physical activity and improve nutrition as well as their camaraderie and spirit and community collaboration. Jeffersonville Fire Department received one Turtle Award with overall points of 203; and in recognition of their concentration on improving mental health. Hortonville Fire Department received one Turtle Award with overall points of 167 and in recognition of their work to improve nutrition.

Since January when the challenge kicked off, 19 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 event water consumption and weight loss challenges.

The 2024 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; NYSEG; Prestige Towing & Recovery; Resorts World Catskills; Rotary Clubs of Liberty & Monticello; Schmidt’s Wholesale, Inc.; Sullivan Fire Protection Corp.; Thompson Sanitation.